Cranbrook - 209 16th Ave N

front view of character drawing of a shelter with two people inside


BC Housing and Community Connections of Southeast BC are working together to open a 40-bed shelter at 209 16th Avenue North in Cranbrook. This project is part of our response to support people experiencing homelessness in Cranbrook.

This former fitness facility will require renovations before it opens. We currently expect this shelter to open in early 2025.

The new shelter will operate 24/7, year-round. It will replace the temporary shelter currently operating at the Cranbrook Travelodge (1417 Cranbrook Street North), which is scheduled to close.

We are also pleased to share that BC Housing has purchased 621 Cranbrook Street North (Lazy Bear Lodge). In this building, we plan to create 30 homes with support services for local people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We expect many current guests of the Travelodge to access this housing in early 2025.

About the shelter

The 2023 Point-in-Time homeless count identified 116 people as experiencing homelessness in Cranbrook. This is an 84% increase from the previous count in 2020. The 16th Avenue shelter project is an important part of our continued effort to address the urgent need to offer safe spaces and services to people experiencing homelessness in Cranbrook.

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 adults, seniors, people with disabilities, or anyone who has experienced trauma, poverty, or struggled with the high cost of housing.

The operator

Community Connections Society of Southeast BC (CCSSBC) will operate this shelter and provide services to the guests. CCSSBC is an experienced non-profit charitable organization who has been providing valuable programs and services to people in the Cranbrook and East Kootenay region since 1982.

Learn more about CCSSBC by visiting ccscranbrook.ca.

Community engagement

A caring community can contribute greatly to the success of people transitioning out of homelessness.

BC Housing and Community Connections Society of Southeast BC commit to being good neighbours and keeping lines of communication open. We will share direct contact information for the shelter when it is available.

We held an online Neighbourhood Information Session on January 13, 2021. We thank all participants for their time and thoughtful questions. View the Cranbrook Information Session Presentation.

For questions about the site and renovation work, please contact BC Housing by emailing communityrelations@bchousing.org.

For questions about the shelter program, please contact Community Connections Society of Southeast BC by emailing executivedirector@ccssebc.com.


BC Housing and Community Connections of Southeast BC are working together to open a 40-bed shelter at 209 16th Avenue North in Cranbrook. This project is part of our response to support people experiencing homelessness in Cranbrook.

This former fitness facility will require renovations before it opens. We currently expect this shelter to open in early 2025.

The new shelter will operate 24/7, year-round. It will replace the temporary shelter currently operating at the Cranbrook Travelodge (1417 Cranbrook Street North), which is scheduled to close.

We are also pleased to share that BC Housing has purchased 621 Cranbrook Street North (Lazy Bear Lodge). In this building, we plan to create 30 homes with support services for local people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We expect many current guests of the Travelodge to access this housing in early 2025.

About the shelter

The 2023 Point-in-Time homeless count identified 116 people as experiencing homelessness in Cranbrook. This is an 84% increase from the previous count in 2020. The 16th Avenue shelter project is an important part of our continued effort to address the urgent need to offer safe spaces and services to people experiencing homelessness in Cranbrook.

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 adults, seniors, people with disabilities, or anyone who has experienced trauma, poverty, or struggled with the high cost of housing.

The operator

Community Connections Society of Southeast BC (CCSSBC) will operate this shelter and provide services to the guests. CCSSBC is an experienced non-profit charitable organization who has been providing valuable programs and services to people in the Cranbrook and East Kootenay region since 1982.

Learn more about CCSSBC by visiting ccscranbrook.ca.

Community engagement

A caring community can contribute greatly to the success of people transitioning out of homelessness.

BC Housing and Community Connections Society of Southeast BC commit to being good neighbours and keeping lines of communication open. We will share direct contact information for the shelter when it is available.

We held an online Neighbourhood Information Session on January 13, 2021. We thank all participants for their time and thoughtful questions. View the Cranbrook Information Session Presentation.

For questions about the site and renovation work, please contact BC Housing by emailing communityrelations@bchousing.org.

For questions about the shelter program, please contact Community Connections Society of Southeast BC by emailing executivedirector@ccssebc.com.

Page last updated: 24 May 2024, 04:01 PM