Key Principles

• The site is a 24/7 facility.

  The shelter will be fully staffed 24/7 and shelter guests will have 24/7 access to the facility.

• The site is a contained site.

  The location will be fully fenced and monitored by security cameras. The location will provide a place for people to store their belongings. There will be an outdoor amenity space set near the back of the property where meals can be provided. Additional site improvements including landscaping will take place in 2025 to create a welcoming atmosphere.

• The site must be a supervised use site.

  The shelter operates with a harm reduction and recovery focus, meaning people who use substances will be accepted into the facility and will be provided with safer practice options while promoting access to treatment and recovery resources. Supervised substance use and testing services will be available. People who use substances can be safely monitored and treated and will have access to shelter services without discrimination. The promotion of recovery will be embedded in the operating model.

• Housing placement supports.

  Internal housing outreach staff will work with shelter guests and other partner agencies to offers onsite housing placement and supports to promote healthy outcomes.

• Wellness and mental health supports.

  Health support services will be accessible to guests. The operator has an existing relationship and works in partnership with community mental health and substance use teams. The ASK Wellness Mobile Health Clinic powered by TELUS Health will be on site at key intervals throughout the week to provide health services to shelter guests.

• Site maintenance is constant.

  The operator is committed to ensuring the site is clean and will minimize negative impacts such as clutter and litter. 

• Staffing or security onsite 24/7.

  Fencing and security cameras will be installed, staff will be onsite 24/7, and the operator will work to build collaborative relationships with neighbours. 

• Community interface management is entrenched.

  The operator will establish community outreach teams dedicated to support integration into the community. The operator works in partnership with Community Services officers and provides outreach staff through the CSO Outreach Response team that pairs Community Services Officers and outreach workers to support vulnerable clients and improve community safety. 

• Reputable operations required.

  ASK Wellness Society is a local charitable non-profit organization with a long history of delivering effective outreach, housing, health, and employment services in Kamloops and throughout the Interior region. ASK Wellness Society was the successful proponent selected to operate this shelter through a public request for proposals process conducted by BC Housing. 

• Placement off commercial corridors.

  The building location is set back from the Tranquille corridor and will be fully fenced along the street frontage.