Cranbrook - 16th Ave N
BC Housing and Community Connections of Southeast BC (CCSSEBC) are working together to open a permanent 40-bed shelter at 209 16th Avenue North in Cranbrook. This shelter has now been named, Step Beyond Shelter. This project is part of our response to support people experiencing homelessness in Cranbrook.
We are pleased to share that building renovations are now complete and CCSSEBC will begin welcoming guests in September 2025.
About the shelter
The new shelter will operate 24/7, year-round. CCSSEBC will operate this shelter and provide services to the guests. CCSSEBC 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.
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.
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 keeping lines of communication open.
On January 13, 2021 we held an online Neighbourhood Information Session. We thank all participants for their time and thoughtful questions.
On May 24, 2024, we mailed a letter to neighbours providing an updated project timeline.
On August 6, 2025, we mailed a letter to neighbours providing a project update and inviting them to join BC Housing and CCSSEBC for a shelter tour on August 14, 2025 before it opens. This letter also included the Who to Call, When to Call information sheet.
On August 14, 2025, BC Housing and CCSSEBC invited neighbours to tour the shelter ahead of guests moving in. Thank you to everyone who attended.
Please see the Who to Call | When to Call sheet in the sidebar for a direct phone number for the shelter as well as other key contacts.
For general questions about the project, please contact BC Housing by emailing communityrelations@bchousing.org.
For questions about the shelter program and operations, please contact Community Connections Society of Southeast BC by emailing executivedirector@ccssebc.com.
