The 2023 Point-in-Time Count identified 312 people experiencing homelessness in our community during that 24-hour period. As Point-in-Time Counts do not capture the hidden homeless (i.e. people who are couch surfing, sleeping in vehicles, or who are otherwise precariously housed), they can be considered as counts that provide a snapshot of the minimum number of people experiencing homelessness at a given period of time.
The City works closely with community partners to provide resources and supports for people experiencing homelessness. Below are some resources available in our community. If you see anything that requires updating, please contact communications@kamloops.ca.
Community Agency Resources
Vulnerability Assessment Tool (VAT)
The VAT helps provide a consistent and fair way of identifying adults who could most benefit from supportive housing and different approaches to handling their cases. People experiencing homelessness must have a completed VAT to be considered for placement in supportive housing.
A VAT can be obtained by contacting one of the following providers: ASK Wellness, Interior Health, Elizabeth Fry Society, Connective, The Mustard Seed Kamloops, Canadian Mental Health Association-Kamloops, or Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services.
Temporary Shelter
Every individual deserves the right to shelter. Despite the significant progress we have made with our community partners, the number of people sheltering continues to exceed emergency shelter capacity. Municipalities continue to try and manage the impact resulting from poverty, lack of affordable and social housing, mental health, and addiction issues.
When there is insufficient housing and shelter space for people experiencing homelessness, the law in British Columbia states that the City may not prohibit all its parks and public spaces from being used for temporary overnight sheltering. The City can, however, identify which parks or public spaces the prohibition against overnight sheltering will not be applied. The City works with individuals and community partners to communicate the guidelines and areas that are permitted to seek shelter.
Rules for Temporary Overnight Shelters
Shelter and property must be small and tidy
Shelters may only cover an area of less than 10 m² and must be free of garbage and excessive clutter.
No fires or smoking
Open flame (e.g. lighter, campfire, candle) and smoking are not permitted.
Shelter must be small and detached from other structures
Shelters may only cover an area of less than 10 m² and may not adjoin, abut, or be connected to any other temporary overnight shelter.
A shelter is permitted within the areas shown on the map
The City has created a map to highlight areas within Kamloops where a temporary overnight shelter is permitted. When the river is high in the spring, temporary shelters should be set up further up the banks.
A temporary shelter is NOT permitted on or near any playgrounds, pools, gardens, public lawns, sports facilities and fields, stages, bleachers, washrooms, picnic shelters, gazebos, cemeteries, pathways, driveways, roadways, lanes, bridges, docks, or boulevards, or any other offices, community and recreational facilities, parking lots, or parkades that are owned or controlled by the City of Kamloops.
Overnight shelter must be temporary
Temporary shelters include a tent or other shelter constructed from a tarp, plastic, or cardboard and can only be erected during the following time frames:
- 9:00 pm–7:00 am from March to November
- 5:00 pm–8:00 am from December to February
Failure to follow the rules may result in shelters being dismantled: Valuable items may be impounded, and garbage may be disposed of.
