BC Housing and the City of Trail are working together to build a 25-bed shelter at 2039 Riverside Avenue. This is a response to the urgent need to support people experiencing homelessness in Trail.
This new shelter will replace the current shelter at 1456 Bay Avenue, which is not suitable for longer-term use. The Bay Avenue location will stay open only until the new shelter is ready.
BC Housing’s goal continues to be safe, affordable, and quality housing. This new shelter site will reduce the impact of homelessness in Trail, but we recognize shelters are not a solution to homelessness. BC Housing and the City of Trail are continuing to work to increase permanent affordable housing in the community.
Development & Construction
BC Housing and the City of Trail have entered into a lease agreement for this location. The City of Trail approved a Temporary Use Permit in August 2023. This permit is for a 1-year term, with the potential to extend for another 3 years.
Compared to the Bay Avenue shelter, this new facility will include more indoor communal space for programming, an outdoor common area, gardening beds and storage. Because it is a purpose-built site, we are also able to include more safety and security features for the benefit of the shelter guests as well as the surrounding community. These include:
maximizing views of parking areas, entrances, sidewalks and other public spaces
fenced properties and gates
fob entry
security cameras
lighting
Site planning and preparation are underway, and construction is expected to begin soon.
Shelter Operations
BC Housing selected Trail Association for Community Living (TACL) through a fair and open process to manage this shelter and provide services to shelter guests.
TACL is an experienced shelter operator with the training, qualifications, and skills necessary to support shelter guests. BC Housing acknowledges the ongoing commitment to homelessness services TACL has demonstrated – there would be no shelter options in Trail without them.
A shelter is more than a place to stay; it’s a pathway toward stability and well-being. The shelter model will be different from the current shelter model at Bay Avenue – there will be no drop-in services provided at this new location. Supports and services will include:
On-site 24/7 staff support
3 meals per day
Laundry and shower facilities
Storage for belongings
Health care and community services
Health supplies
Goal planning and life skills training
Connection to community services, social assistance
Referrals to support groups
This shelter will be named La Nina. This name is a tribute to Nina – the daughter, sister and friend of the original family who played a crucial role in creating the first homeless shelter in Trail. The Bay Avenue shelter also carried this name, as did the original shelter in the United Church basement. It remains our hope that through this shelter, others will find the support they need to find stability and success on their housing journey – as Nina did.
Community Engagement
A caring community can contribute greatly to the success of people transitioning out of homelessness, and we want this shelter program to be a success for everyone.
BC Housing, TACL, the City of Trail, and Interior Health have worked together to create a comprehensive Community Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. This Community FAQis meant to answer questions that neighbours and community members may have about the shelter project. Topics include shelter operations, safety and security, health care, city services and zoning.
BC Housing and TACL are committed to being a good neighbour. We will share more information and direct contact information with the community before the shelter opens.
BC Housing and the City of Trail are working together to build a 25-bed shelter at 2039 Riverside Avenue. This is a response to the urgent need to support people experiencing homelessness in Trail.
This new shelter will replace the current shelter at 1456 Bay Avenue, which is not suitable for longer-term use. The Bay Avenue location will stay open only until the new shelter is ready.
BC Housing’s goal continues to be safe, affordable, and quality housing. This new shelter site will reduce the impact of homelessness in Trail, but we recognize shelters are not a solution to homelessness. BC Housing and the City of Trail are continuing to work to increase permanent affordable housing in the community.
Development & Construction
BC Housing and the City of Trail have entered into a lease agreement for this location. The City of Trail approved a Temporary Use Permit in August 2023. This permit is for a 1-year term, with the potential to extend for another 3 years.
Compared to the Bay Avenue shelter, this new facility will include more indoor communal space for programming, an outdoor common area, gardening beds and storage. Because it is a purpose-built site, we are also able to include more safety and security features for the benefit of the shelter guests as well as the surrounding community. These include:
maximizing views of parking areas, entrances, sidewalks and other public spaces
fenced properties and gates
fob entry
security cameras
lighting
Site planning and preparation are underway, and construction is expected to begin soon.
Shelter Operations
BC Housing selected Trail Association for Community Living (TACL) through a fair and open process to manage this shelter and provide services to shelter guests.
TACL is an experienced shelter operator with the training, qualifications, and skills necessary to support shelter guests. BC Housing acknowledges the ongoing commitment to homelessness services TACL has demonstrated – there would be no shelter options in Trail without them.
A shelter is more than a place to stay; it’s a pathway toward stability and well-being. The shelter model will be different from the current shelter model at Bay Avenue – there will be no drop-in services provided at this new location. Supports and services will include:
On-site 24/7 staff support
3 meals per day
Laundry and shower facilities
Storage for belongings
Health care and community services
Health supplies
Goal planning and life skills training
Connection to community services, social assistance
Referrals to support groups
This shelter will be named La Nina. This name is a tribute to Nina – the daughter, sister and friend of the original family who played a crucial role in creating the first homeless shelter in Trail. The Bay Avenue shelter also carried this name, as did the original shelter in the United Church basement. It remains our hope that through this shelter, others will find the support they need to find stability and success on their housing journey – as Nina did.
Community Engagement
A caring community can contribute greatly to the success of people transitioning out of homelessness, and we want this shelter program to be a success for everyone.
BC Housing, TACL, the City of Trail, and Interior Health have worked together to create a comprehensive Community Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. This Community FAQis meant to answer questions that neighbours and community members may have about the shelter project. Topics include shelter operations, safety and security, health care, city services and zoning.
BC Housing and TACL are committed to being a good neighbour. We will share more information and direct contact information with the community before the shelter opens.
