People experiencing homelessness in Kamloops will continue to have a safe place to stay with the extension of the former Stuart Wood School temporary shelter.

The shelter at 245 St. Paul St. was originally leased in April 2023 and has been extended until April 30, 2025, to continue supporting people experiencing homelessness in the community. The shelter contains 25 overnight beds. Guests will have access to daily meals, laundry and shower facilities, as well as case management and health-care referrals.

The shelter will continue to be operated by Out of the Cold (OOTC) foundation, a local non-profit organization that supports people experiencing homelessness. The lease of the former Stuart Wood School shelter has been extended in partnership with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, the City of Kamloops and OOTC.

The Province, through BC Housing, is providing approximately $1.3 million annually for operations of the shelter.

According to the 2023 Point in Time Homelessness Count, approximately 312 people are experiencing or have experienced homelessness in Kamloops.

The Province’s Belonging in BC homelessness plan will add nearly 4,000 new supportive housing units and 240 complex-care spaces provincewide.