The province has announced 40 new shelter spaces for people experiencing homelessness in Merritt.
On Friday, BC Housing announced it will lease the Knights Inn motel until March 30, 2027.
“As the only shelter in the community, this project is critical to ensure people will continue to have access to basic services, such as food, a warm indoor space and support services,” the province said in a news release.
The shelter will be open 24/7 and will include an outdoor area, dedicated office and programming space.
BC Housing says the site is close to local amenities, essential services and transit.
This new shelter will replace the former Desert Inn shelter, which closed at the end of July 2024 due to building safety conditions.
Guests from that former shelter were offered temporary accommodations by BC Housing eo tenure; no one was displaced.
Occupancy of the new shelter is expected to begin in late 2024.
A few upgrades need to be completed to the fire-safety systems prior to occupancy as well as the installation of a new fence and gates to ensure privacy and access control, the province said in a news release.
The Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society will be managing the new shelter.
About $1.9 million will be provided by BC Housing for annual operating funding.
