The B.C. government is funding 24 extreme weather shelter spaces in Cranbrook this winter to help people whose health and safety may be threatened by cold, wet weather.

The Salvation Army, located at 533 Slater Road will offer temporary shelter space when an extreme weather alert is activated by the community. It is the only such locale in the East Kootenay and only one between Lethbridge and Nelson.

The temporary spaces will be available from now until March 31, 2017. Communities decide what weather conditions warrant an alert and how many spaces to activate on a given night, depending on the capacity of existing shelters and the estimated need.

Shelters are funded based on expense claims submitted by communities. Last year, funding totalled $73,400 in Cranbrook.

The province also funds outreach teams to help connect people with a range of services such as housing, health care and community supports. Last year, more than 7,100 people in B.C. were connected to housing, income assistance and a range of support services by provincially-funded homeless outreach and shelter workers.

“Wet and cold weather can potentially be life threatening for those without adequate shelter. The extreme weather shelter at the Salvation Army will ensure that those who need a warm place to sleep will have one,” said Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett.

“Each winter, we work with communities and non-profit groups to make sure that anyone who wants to come inside for the night has a warm, safe place to go. Funding for these shelter spaces is part of the more than $200 million annually we invest in the province to provide emergency shelter spaces, subsidized units and rent supplements for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness,” noted Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Responsible for Housing.

e-KNOW

Article Share