Deteriorating conditions to facility causes temporary shelter to close until further notice

We now know the reasoning behind the closure of the temporary shelter in Merritt.

In a response to Q101, B.C. Housing’s Shrief Fadl, said that due to deteriorating building conditions at the shelter located in the Desert Inn on Voght Street,  B. C. Housing, in partnership with the operator Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society, made the decision to close the shelter.

He stated that as B.C. Housing is not the owner of the property, it is not in the position to invest in the required repairs to make the facility livable.

Fadl added that B.C. Housing “strives to ensure that all its building provide a safe and healthy environment for all residents and staff”.

As to what happened to those who occupied the shelter, Fadl noted that there were seven people staying at the shelter at the time of the closure.  B.C. Housing worked with Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society to find temporary accommodations for all seven shelter guests so that they were not displaced.

He concluded that the provincial department is working to find an alternate shelter location as soon as possible and an update will be provided at that time.