It’s now been confirmed the Mustard Seed is going to be taking the reins of a pair of cold-weather centers here in Kamloops this winter.
The City’s Social Housing Manager Carmin Mazzotta confirmed to Radio NL that the Mustard Seed will be operating the Yacht Club as a 20-bed cold-weather shelter as of November 1st.
“Final setup is happening as we speak, I think there is a fire inspection tomorrow so it is good to go for that date,” Mazzotta said, noting the Yacht club will be open as a 24-hour shelter until March 31, 2024.
The Mustard Seed is also due to operate the Alliance Church as a 30-bed extreme weather shelter this year as well.
“Incredible work again by the Alliance Church as well as the Mustard Seed to operationalize that site on the North Shore for those really cold nights or where there is inclement weather,” Mazzotta added.
The Alliance Church will only open its doors when temperatures in Kamloops hit below -10 C, or if there is at least five centimeters of snow on the ground.
The Mustard Seed says 25 full-time staff (including relief employees) are being hired to operate and oversee these two winter shelters. BC Housing will be funding the operating costs for these shelters.
“These shelters are in operation to meet the overwhelming need in the Kamloops community, allowing those experiencing homelessness to have adequate shelter and a safe, warm place to sleep during the cold winter months,” the organization added.
Meanwhile, Mazzotta says the City is doing its best to keep up with the growing demand for cold-weather shelter spaces.
“When you even bring into account things like the youth shelter or the woman’s emergency shelter and all those arrays of shelter services – those urgent response beds – there are nearly 240 beds available overnight this winter,” he said.
The only other cold-weather shelter confirmed in Kamloops this winter is Stuart Wood Elementary downtown, which will continue to be run by Out of the Cold.