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 and the City of Williams Lake are working together to open a 40-bed temporary shelter at 98 1st Avenue South (the former Elks Hall). This project is part of our urgent response to ongoing issues of homelessness in Williams Lake.

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

BC Housing will lease the site at 98 1st Avenue South for 5 years. We will renovate the building’s interior, exterior, and install fire safety systems before opening. We will add fencing with a gated entry for privacy and security. We currently expect the new shelter to open in Fall 2024.

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. 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 substance use or substance use disorders
  • people who are struggling with the high cost of housing

We will offer shelter guests at the Hamilton Hotel the new shelter spaces first. Any additional spaces will be open to community members who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Shelter services will include:

  • At least 2 staff onsite 24/7
  • 40 semi-private beds
  • 3 meals per day
  • Laundry and shower facilities
  • Storage for belongings

The Operator

Canadian Mental Health Association – Cariboo Chilcotin (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 centered around fostering mentally healthy individuals within a healthy society.

Community Engagement

A caring community can contribute greatly to the success of people transitioning out of homelessness. BC Housing and CMHA-CC commit to being good neighbours and keeping lines of communication open. We will share direct contact information for the shelter when it is available.

For more information about this shelter project, please see our Community FAQ.

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 CMHA-CC by emailing executive.director@cmhacariboo.org.


BC Housing, the Canadian Mental Health Association Cariboo-Chilcotin and the City of Williams Lake are working together to open a 40-bed temporary shelter at 98 1st Avenue South (the former Elks Hall). This project is part of our urgent response to ongoing issues of homelessness in Williams Lake.

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

BC Housing will lease the site at 98 1st Avenue South for 5 years. We will renovate the building’s interior, exterior, and install fire safety systems before opening. We will add fencing with a gated entry for privacy and security. We currently expect the new shelter to open in Fall 2024.

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. 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 substance use or substance use disorders
  • people who are struggling with the high cost of housing

We will offer shelter guests at the Hamilton Hotel the new shelter spaces first. Any additional spaces will be open to community members who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Shelter services will include:

  • At least 2 staff onsite 24/7
  • 40 semi-private beds
  • 3 meals per day
  • Laundry and shower facilities
  • Storage for belongings

The Operator

Canadian Mental Health Association – Cariboo Chilcotin (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 centered around fostering mentally healthy individuals within a healthy society.

Community Engagement

A caring community can contribute greatly to the success of people transitioning out of homelessness. BC Housing and CMHA-CC commit to being good neighbours and keeping lines of communication open. We will share direct contact information for the shelter when it is available.

For more information about this shelter project, please see our Community FAQ.

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 CMHA-CC by emailing executive.director@cmhacariboo.org.

Page published: 06 May 2024, 04:29 PM