New shelter in Kamloops will aid vaccine distribution to homeless communities

The Kamloops branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association started transitioning their clients to their new temporary housing facility at the downtown curling arena.

Alfred Achoba, acting executive director, says the clients are happy with the new facility.

"They love that it gives them a sense of dignity and privacy," he said.

Along with that privacy, the facility is going to offer social services in an effort to make it a transition space for those experiencing homelessness. There will be services to help with employment support and aid in finding resources a client can use like provincial housing subsidies.

The Kamloops CMHA hopes that the extra beds at the Memorial Arena and curling club will make vaccine distribution more efficient.

READ MORE: Kamloops drop-in centre closes after homeless volunteer tests positive for COVID-19

Provincial health authorities have identified homeless communities to be at a higher risk for COVID transmission and are aiming to roll it out within February and March.

There's been no dates promised to the CMHA in terms of vaccine shipments, but Achoba remains positive that operating these new facilities along with the others in the city will aid the distribution among the community.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Levi Landry or call 250-819-3723 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.