Merritt – 2702 Nicola Avenue
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BC Housing has leased the Knights Inn at 2702 Nicola Avenue in Merritt. At this site, we will open a year-round shelter with up to 40 beds. This shelter is a response to the urgent need to support people experiencing homelessness in Merritt.
This shelter will replace the Desert Inn shelter at 2350 Voght Street that permanently closed in July 2024. BC Housing opened the Desert Inn shelter as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it became an ongoing resource for people in the community experiencing homelessness. This building was aging and becoming unsafe for shelter services. All remaining guests at the shelter have accepted temporary housing and were safely relocated in Merritt.
Our lease of the Knights Inn begins in September 2024. The building requires renovations before opening. These include installing a fire alarm system, fencing and gates, security cameras and storage and upgrading the electrical. We currently expect this shelter to open in late 2024.
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 and anyone 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
Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society (NVSSS) will operate the shelter and provide services to guests. NVSSS has successfully operated shelters in Merritt since 2011, including the Desert Inn.
This shelter will be open 24/7, year-round. Services will include:
24/7 staff onsite
meals
laundry
washroom and shower facilities
storage
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
- security cameras
Community engagement
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.
On August, 30, 2024 we shared a letter to site neighbours and nearby businesses to introduce the shelter project. We shared key contact information to site neighbours. This Who to Call | When to Call sheet is also available here for download.
For questions about the shelter program, you can email Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society nvssssheltersw@outlook.com.
For questions about the renovations or shelter project, please contact BC Housing by emailing communityrelations@bchousing.org.
