Williams Lake – 98 1st Avenue South

community centre looking building with multiple entrances and a large brick chimney.


BC Housing, the Canadian Mental Health Association Cariboo-Chilcotin (CMHA-CC) and the City of Williams Lake are working together to open a 38-bed temporary shelter at 98 1st Avenue South (the former Elks Hall). The operator, CMHA-CC, has named this shelter Roots on First. This project is part of our urgent response to ongoing issues of homelessness in Williams Lake.

Roots on First will operate 24/7, year-round. It will replace the temporary shelter at 55 6th Avenue South (Hamilton Hotel).

BC Housing has leased the site at 98 1st Avenue South for 5 years. We are completing renovations soon, including updates to the building’s interior and exterior, and installing fire safety systems. This also includes the installation of a fence with gated entry for privacy and security.

Roots on First will begin welcoming guests in early July 2025. We will offer shelter guests at the Hamilton Hotel the new shelter spaces first. Any additional spaces will then be open to community members who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Shelter Operations

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. Once someone has access to a warm bed, washrooms, and meals, they’re better able to improve their housing and well-being.

People staying in shelters can include:

  • Seniors
  • People with disabilities
  • People who have experienced trauma or poverty
  • People with substance use disorders
  • People affected by high housing costs

Shelter services will include:

  • At least 2 staff onsite 24/7
  • 38 semi-private beds
  • Daily meals
  • Laundry and shower facilities
  • Storage for belongings
  • Connections to health care, community services and social assistance
  • Referrals to support groups

The Operator

CMHA-CC will operate the shelter and manage the building. CMHA-CC is an experienced housing provider in Williams Lake. They currently operate the temporary shelter at the Hamilton Hotel as well as transitional housing for 34 residences in the community. CMHA-CC's mission is centred on fostering mentally healthy individuals within a healthy society.

Community Engagement

A caring community plays a big role in helping people transition out of homelessness.

On June 25, 2025, CMHA-CC hand delivered a letter to direct site neighbours to share that Roots on First will open soon. This letter also included a Who to Call | When to Call information sheet with a direct phone number for shelter as well as other key contacts.

Questions

BC Housing and CMHA-CC will keep lines of communication open and address any questions and concerns quickly and collaboratively.

Please download 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 more information about this shelter project, please read our Community FAQ.

For questions about the shelter program, please contact CMHA-CC by emailing shelteradmin@cmhacariboo.org.

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


BC Housing, the Canadian Mental Health Association Cariboo-Chilcotin (CMHA-CC) and the City of Williams Lake are working together to open a 38-bed temporary shelter at 98 1st Avenue South (the former Elks Hall). The operator, CMHA-CC, has named this shelter Roots on First. This project is part of our urgent response to ongoing issues of homelessness in Williams Lake.

Roots on First will operate 24/7, year-round. It will replace the temporary shelter at 55 6th Avenue South (Hamilton Hotel).

BC Housing has leased the site at 98 1st Avenue South for 5 years. We are completing renovations soon, including updates to the building’s interior and exterior, and installing fire safety systems. This also includes the installation of a fence with gated entry for privacy and security.

Roots on First will begin welcoming guests in early July 2025. We will offer shelter guests at the Hamilton Hotel the new shelter spaces first. Any additional spaces will then be open to community members who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Shelter Operations

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. Once someone has access to a warm bed, washrooms, and meals, they’re better able to improve their housing and well-being.

People staying in shelters can include:

  • Seniors
  • People with disabilities
  • People who have experienced trauma or poverty
  • People with substance use disorders
  • People affected by high housing costs

Shelter services will include:

  • At least 2 staff onsite 24/7
  • 38 semi-private beds
  • Daily meals
  • Laundry and shower facilities
  • Storage for belongings
  • Connections to health care, community services and social assistance
  • Referrals to support groups

The Operator

CMHA-CC will operate the shelter and manage the building. CMHA-CC is an experienced housing provider in Williams Lake. They currently operate the temporary shelter at the Hamilton Hotel as well as transitional housing for 34 residences in the community. CMHA-CC's mission is centred on fostering mentally healthy individuals within a healthy society.

Community Engagement

A caring community plays a big role in helping people transition out of homelessness.

On June 25, 2025, CMHA-CC hand delivered a letter to direct site neighbours to share that Roots on First will open soon. This letter also included a Who to Call | When to Call information sheet with a direct phone number for shelter as well as other key contacts.

Questions

BC Housing and CMHA-CC will keep lines of communication open and address any questions and concerns quickly and collaboratively.

Please download 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 more information about this shelter project, please read our Community FAQ.

For questions about the shelter program, please contact CMHA-CC by emailing shelteradmin@cmhacariboo.org.

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