Castlegar – 2245 6th Avenue

Ariel view of 6 avenue and the neighbouring streets


BC Housing is working to open a year-round shelter with up to 20 beds at 2245 6th Avenue in Castlegar. This shelter is a response to the urgent need to support people experiencing homelessness in the community. Once open, this would replace the temporary winter shelter at 1660 Columbia Avenue.

Development

BC Housing purchased the property at 2245 6th Avenue in March 2024 with plans to open a shelter in the building. This project will require a Temporary Use Permit from the City of Castlegar and the building will need renovations. If all permits are approved, we currently expect the shelter to open later in 2025.

About the shelter

Shelters are an important first step for people who are transitioning out of homelessness. People without access to basic shelter must focus solely on survival. After a person can access a warm bed, washrooms and meals, they are in a much better position to improve their housing situation and well-being.

People staying in shelters can include seniors, people with disabilities, people who have experienced trauma or poverty, people with health concerns including mental health or substance use challenges, and people who are struggling with the high cost of housing. Shelter guests can access case management, resources and services that address their individual needs and support them on their housing journey.

Shelter operations

BC Housing selected Castlegar & District Community Services Society (CDCSS) through a fair and open process to operate the shelter and provide services to guests. CDCSS is an experienced non-profit operator that has been working with the most vulnerable in the community for over 40 years. Learn more about CDCSS by visiting cdcss.ca.

This shelter will be open 24/7, year-round. Services will include:

  • 24/7 staff onsite
  • semi-private beds
  • meals
  • laundry
  • washroom and shower facilities

There will also be safety and security features for the benefit of shelter guests as well as the surrounding community. These include:

  • controlled access
  • site fencing
  • outdoor lighting
  • security cameras

Community engagement

We will be hosting in-person information sessions where interested neighbours can learn more about the supports and services offered at the shelter, find out about project timelines and renovations, meet project partners, ask questions, and find out how to get involved and support the project.

Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Available session times:

  • 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  • 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Location: Mercer Celgar Board Room at The Confluence, 1995 6th Ave, Castlegar

Please RSVP by visiting 2245-6th-avenue-shelter.eventbrite.ca. Registration is required to attend.

A caring community can contribute greatly to the success of people transitioning out of homelessness. We commit to keeping lines of communication open throughout this project. We will continue to share updates directly with neighbours and address any concerns quickly and collaboratively. We will share a direct phone number for the shelter with neighbours when it is available.

For questions about the shelter project, please contact BC Housing by emailing communityrelations@bchousing.org.


BC Housing is working to open a year-round shelter with up to 20 beds at 2245 6th Avenue in Castlegar. This shelter is a response to the urgent need to support people experiencing homelessness in the community. Once open, this would replace the temporary winter shelter at 1660 Columbia Avenue.

Development

BC Housing purchased the property at 2245 6th Avenue in March 2024 with plans to open a shelter in the building. This project will require a Temporary Use Permit from the City of Castlegar and the building will need renovations. If all permits are approved, we currently expect the shelter to open later in 2025.

About the shelter

Shelters are an important first step for people who are transitioning out of homelessness. People without access to basic shelter must focus solely on survival. After a person can access a warm bed, washrooms and meals, they are in a much better position to improve their housing situation and well-being.

People staying in shelters can include seniors, people with disabilities, people who have experienced trauma or poverty, people with health concerns including mental health or substance use challenges, and people who are struggling with the high cost of housing. Shelter guests can access case management, resources and services that address their individual needs and support them on their housing journey.

Shelter operations

BC Housing selected Castlegar & District Community Services Society (CDCSS) through a fair and open process to operate the shelter and provide services to guests. CDCSS is an experienced non-profit operator that has been working with the most vulnerable in the community for over 40 years. Learn more about CDCSS by visiting cdcss.ca.

This shelter will be open 24/7, year-round. Services will include:

  • 24/7 staff onsite
  • semi-private beds
  • meals
  • laundry
  • washroom and shower facilities

There will also be safety and security features for the benefit of shelter guests as well as the surrounding community. These include:

  • controlled access
  • site fencing
  • outdoor lighting
  • security cameras

Community engagement

We will be hosting in-person information sessions where interested neighbours can learn more about the supports and services offered at the shelter, find out about project timelines and renovations, meet project partners, ask questions, and find out how to get involved and support the project.

Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Available session times:

  • 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  • 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Location: Mercer Celgar Board Room at The Confluence, 1995 6th Ave, Castlegar

Please RSVP by visiting 2245-6th-avenue-shelter.eventbrite.ca. Registration is required to attend.

A caring community can contribute greatly to the success of people transitioning out of homelessness. We commit to keeping lines of communication open throughout this project. We will continue to share updates directly with neighbours and address any concerns quickly and collaboratively. We will share a direct phone number for the shelter with neighbours when it is available.

For questions about the shelter project, please contact BC Housing by emailing communityrelations@bchousing.org.

Page last updated: 14 Jan 2025, 03:43 PM