A proposal for a temporary use permit allowing for a temporary winter shelter is scheduled to be heard at the October 1 Council meeting.
“100 More Homes has been working with BC Housing to secure an appropriate location for the emergency winter shelter to ensure those who are experiencing homelessness have proper care when the temperatures drop and have found a site in the industrial area,” says Blake Laven, the City’s director of development services. “As was done last year, the City of Penticton would lease the space, with BC Housing working with the non-profit society to support the operations of the shelter.”
The proposed location is at 402 Warren Avenue East and would operate 24/7 from November to March 31, 2025, providing shelter and other support such as minor health services and referrals to homelessness support programs. The operation of the shelter would be conditional based on a safety and security plan being active 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“A review of last year’s shelter statistics illustrated the benefits of connecting staff from non-profits, BC Housing and Interior Health to work with those experiencing homelessness and then connecting them with proper supports,” says Jamie Lloyd-Smith, the City’s social development specialist. “The recommendation from 100 More Homes and other groups was to provide consistent service delivery for people throughout the winter.”
Last year, the shelter was temperature activated, meaning shelter guests were exited into the community every day. “During periods last year where the shelter remained open during the daytime during periods of extreme cold, social support organizations were able to get people into housing by being able to spend some time with shelter guests during the day and not making them leave every morning,” adds Lloyd-Smith.
A copy of the Temporary Use Permit can be found at www.penticton.ca/publicnotice
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