A new emergency shelter is coming soon to Smithers. The operators hope to have it open by the next cold snap.<\/p>\n
A newly founded society, The Bulkley Valley Harm Reduction Society, will operate a temporary winter shelter from mid-November 2025 through to March 2026 as part of the Emergency Shelter Program by BC Housing.<\/p>\n
While they aren’t quite open yet, the shelter space is located at the intersection of Queen Street and Third Avenue in Smithers.<\/p>\n
It will be a 24\/7 space where adults who don’t have a safe place to stay can come in from the cold, rest, and connect with support.<\/p>\n
Guests will have access to warm sleeping spaces, hot meals, and washrooms, and a place to connect with supportive staff. There will be at least two trained staff members onsite, 24 hours a day.<\/p>\n
Program manager Billie Kennedy said beyond immediate shelter, they are focusing on connection and care. Staff will help guests link to housing supports, healthcare, and social services, while making sure the space itself is warm, kind, and judgment-free.<\/p>\n
“This shelter is an emergency, temporary response to larger structural issues, but we think it’s an important piece of the puzzle in addressing homelessness and housing insecurity in the area. Our long-term goal is to learn from this work, strengthen partnerships, and keep filling in the gaps together so no one in our community is left without safety, warmth, or belonging,” she said.<\/p>\n
Kennedy said the group of people who have formed the society care about meeting people where they are, treating everyone with compassion, and building safety and belonging into the fabric of the community so no one falls through the gaps. They officially incorporated last year.<\/p>\n
“We’re a local non-profit made up of people who live and work here in the Bulkley Valley. Many of us have been doing outreach, harm reduction, and community care for years,” she explained. <\/p>\n
“We knew each other as friends and fellow community members before deciding to come together as a society. Forming the nonprofit gives us a way to bring more structure and sustainability to the work we were already doing, and to collaborate in ways that reflect our shared values.”<\/p>\n
She went on to say there are already so many incredible organizations doing great work in our community, but they noticed there was still a need for low-barrier support, especially for people who need help after hours or during the winter months, or who don’t fit neatly into traditional service models.<\/p>\n
This shelter is one step toward filling that gap, she explained.<\/p>\n
The society aims to support individuals who are unhoused, street-involved, or precariously housed — especially those who have historically faced the highest barriers to care.<\/p>\n
Their focus includes: Indigenous people; people who use drugs; 2SLGBTQIA+ community members; people living with mental health challenges, and people with disabilities or neurodivergence.<\/p>\n
Kennedy said the temporary shelter is a win-win for the community.<\/p>\n
“It’s pretty simple. No one should have to face a northern winter without shelter. We all know how dangerously cold it gets here, and this project is about saving lives while offering support and care,” she said.<\/p>\n
“It’s also beneficial for the community as a whole. When people have a warm, safe place to be, there are fewer folks sleeping outside, prevention of exposure and overdose-related harms, fewer crises happening in public spaces, and more stability for everyone. It helps make Smithers a safer, kinder, and more connected town.”<\/p>\n
Anyone who wants to help can reach out to the society directly through its website. Kennedy said they are looking for practical items such as warm clothing, gloves and hats. She said people can also help by spreading the word and being a good neighbour.<\/p>\n
“If you see someone in distress, reach out to us directly. Often, it’s someone in crisis who just needs warmth, safety, and connection – not punishment. We’d love to help,” she said.<\/p>\n
There are other opportunities to volunteer as well, such as giving haircuts or providing wellness services.<\/p>\n
The society can be reached at: info@bvharmreduction.org or 778 648 2372.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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