New temporary winter shelter sparks debate at council
The former Gateway Shelter located at 2800 33 Street will be providing temporary beds for 20 homeless residents in just a matter of days.
Vernon city council voted to confirm their support for the BC Housing initiative at Monday’s meeting.
According to letter to council, BC Housing recently worked with Turning Points Collaborative Society to relocate the Gateway Shelter to its new location at 2804 33 Street. The move to the new location allowed Gateway to increase the number of shelter beds from 24 to 40.
Since the relocation, the former shelter site, which is owned by BC Housing, has sat vacant; but starting Nov. 1 the shelter will be available 24/7 providing the 20 beds and food services. The temporary initiative will be carried out by Turning Points Collaborative and will end March 31, 2020.