Powell River’s emergency shelter at 4746 Joyce Avenue is now open 24 hours.
Lift Community Services’ housing services manager Julie Jenkins stated in an email that this is a temporary cold weather expansion of hours, funded by BC Housing, until March 31. The shelter is located next door to the Community Resource Centre.
According to Jenkins, this is a low-barrier shelter, where services are available 24-hours per day, seven-days per week.
The shelter is open to any qathet region resident aged 19-plus years who is unhoused and in need of a safe, warm place to stay.
Support staff offer resource navigation and connections to community supports at the emergency shelter, according to Jenkins.
There are 20 beds available for men, women, couples and gender-diverse guests. Intake is required for all new guests.
According to Jenkins, breakfast is served daily after 7am, lunch is served at noon and hot dinner is served between 5 and 6 pm. Boxed leftovers are available after 6 pm.
Self-serve laundry is available at the Community Resource Centre.
Pets are welcome on a case-by-case basis with a pet agreement.
The commons area and rooms are cleaned from 12 to 4 pm daily.
There is a strict limit of two half-lockers and two medium totes for belongings. Staff will support guests with storage options for additional belongings, stated Jenkins.
Neighbourhood sweeps for garbage and sharps will be completed daily before 8 am and throughout the day and night, according to Jenkins.
“Thank you to everyone who advocated for increased hours for our shared clients and community,” added Jenkins. “This would not have happened without you.”
