Winter shelter moving to Sechelt

The extreme weather emergency shelter is moving back to Sechelt from Gibsons this winter after B.C. Housing gave the go-ahead last week.

Since relocating to Gib-sons, organizers have observed a decline in usage that they feel is the result of the shelter's non-central location.

A space has been identified at St. Hilda's United Church in Sechelt that should allow the service to become more accessible to the Coast community.

"We've been looking to get it back there for some time," said Matthew Hardman of the Salvation Army. "We realized we were just getting local Salvation Army clients and nobody was coming down from Sechelt."

The shelter will activate under certain conditions, including the temperature falling below zero, when there is snow on the ground and during extreme weather alerts including heavy rainfalls.

Signs indicating the shelter's activation will be placed at gas stations in Gibsons, Wilson Creek and Sechelt.

Those living in Gibsons who require the use of the shelter can obtain free bus tickets from Hardman and the Salvation Army.

While the move back to Sechelt is expected to make the service more available, some challenges remain.

A dinner drop-in normally held in the early evening might be on the chopping block as the church space is available only between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Matt Thomson, who works with the Homeless Advisory Committee, said organizers are still looking for a solution that would see the service continue.

"We've got volunteers who are willing to pick it up and do the work behind it, but we don't have a space identified," he said.

Another challenge with providing shelter during the cold months is a lack of transportation from northern areas during the night.

While initiatives particular to the Pender Harbour area are being explored, it remains difficult for those in need of a warm place to sleep to make the trek to Sechelt.

"We just submitted an application for funding for a project that would be specific to the northern communities," Thomson said, adding that such a project would likely take the shape of informal housing opportunities combined with outreach work.

The Salvation Army said the shelter will have 10 beds, and that donations of any kind are always welcome.