Shelter FAQ

What is this shelter?

The temporary winter shelter in Smithers will be a safe, 24/7 space for anyone in our community who doesn’t have a secure place to stay during the coldest months. It’s run by the BV Harm Reduction Society and funded by BC Housing under their Emergency Shelter program.

This shelter will provide the following services:

  • A warm place to sleep (cots, sleeping mats, sheets and blankets)
  • Personal storage lockers for belongings
  • Access to hygiene services and supplies
  • Meals
  • Referrals to other services within our community

Our goal is simple - to help people stay warm, safe, and connected while we work together toward longer-term housing solutions.

What has been happening at the shelter since opening?

From the very first night, our beds have been full. We’ve had to turn people away on a regular basis, which really shows how much a 24/7 low-barrier winter space is needed in our town.

At the same time, we’ve been able to support far more people than expected with hot meals, warm drinks, winter gear, and a safe indoor space to rest and connect with community.

What positive outcomes have you seen so far?

In a short time, we’ve already seen meaningful change for a number of guests, including:

  • Connections with longer-term housing options
  • Safe transport back to home communities when requested
  • Applications to treatment
  • Reconnection with family members and bands
  • Positive social connections and supports

We’re working closely with community partners to help folks take the next steps that feel right for them.

Why are we setting this up?

Winters in Smithers can be dangerously cold, and no one should have to face freezing temperatures without shelter. This project is an emergency response to an urgent community need - a way to prevent harm and save lives while offering dignity and support.

We know housing insecurity affects everyone in different ways, and this shelter is one step toward filling in the gaps together, so no one falls through when the need is greatest.

How is the Town of Smithers involved?

We are an independent society operating this shelter. Our shelter conforms to the zoning bylaw, so does not require a temporary use permit or rezoning.

The Town of Smithers is an important partner in helping inform how we operate our services. We will continue to work closely with the town on matters such as fire safety, bylaw, building code, and community engagement.

Who is BV Harm Reduction?

We’re a local non-profit made up of staff and volunteers who live and work in the Bulkley Valley. Many of us have been doing harm reduction and outreach work here for years - this organization gives us a way to do that more sustainably.

We believe in meeting people where they’re at, treating everyone with compassion, and working to keep our whole community safe and connected.

Who can use the shelter?

This shelter is open to all adults (19+) who are unhoused or don’t have a safe place to stay. That includes people sleeping outdoors or in vehicles, couch-surfing, or staying in unsafe or temporary situations.

Everyone is welcome - regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability, mental health status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

How do you work with other services?

We’re not doing this alone! We’ve been working with BC Housing, Northern Health, Town of Smithers, RCMP, Fire Department, and other local non-profits.

Because this is an emergency response, the set-up has moved quickly - but we’ve coordinated with key partners to ensure safety and support are in place. We’re also reaching out to nearby residents and local businesses to build ongoing communication and collaboration.

How is the shelter be staffed?

There are at least two trained staff onsite, 24/7. Staff hold training in First Aid, de-escalation, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction.

We will not open our doors unless we can do so safely.

What if a guest breaks the shelter’s community agreements?

We approach every situation with respect and conversation first. If a guest’s behavior threatens anyone’s safety, staff will step in to de-escalate, offer support, and bring in partners if needed.

Our goal isn’t to punish - it’s to keep everyone safe and indoors. Being outside in freezing weather isn’t a good solution for anyone.

How is Indigenous culture, safety, and inclusion being considered?

We recognize that many people experiencing homelessness in our area are Indigenous, and cultural safety is essential. We’re committed to providing an inclusive, respectful space that reflects those values.

We’re also working to connect anyone requesting Indigenous-led support directly with local Indigenous organizations and cultural supports.

Will this shelter increase crime or cause problems in the neighbourhood?

We understand why people might worry about that, and we share the goal of keeping Smithers safe for everyone. In fact, the opposite tends to be true - when people have a safe, warm place to go, there are fewer people sleeping outside, fewer crises in public spaces, and more stability overall.

Our staff will maintain daily clean-ups around the property, keep open communication with neighbours, and respond quickly to any concerns. We’re also setting up a small, supervised outdoor area for smoking, to reduce loitering and keep the surroundings calm and tidy.

Does the shelter allow substance use?

We’re a low-barrier shelter, which means we welcome people as they are - including those who may be using substances. This approach is about safety, not enabling.

By keeping people indoors and connected to support, we reduce the risks that come with isolation and extreme weather. Our team is working closely with Northern Health and BC Housing to ensure safety, harm reduction, and care for everyone involved.

Are you a “safe supply” site?

No, we are not a safe supply site. We do not provide regulated or prescribed alternatives to the unregulated drug supply.

We do provide harm reduction supplies such as sterile equipment, naloxone kits, and information on safer use. Our staff are trained to help prevent overdose and connect people with health and social supports when needed.

We believe that safe supply is an important public health measure to reduce deaths from the toxic drug crisis, even though it is not a service we offer.

Is this permanent housing?

No - it’s an emergency winter shelter. We’ll be open until March 31, providing safe nights now while helping connect guests to longer-term housing supports.

It seems like this happened really fast! Why?

That’s true - it has come together quickly! But the work didn’t start overnight. Planning has been underway since early spring, and we only very recently received funding confirmation and a lease for a suitable space.

Once those pieces were in place, we moved quickly because the weather won’t wait. We’d rather move fast and have people safe indoors than risk someone freezing outside.

How can the community help?

We’re so grateful for the community’s support and compassion. Here are a few ways you can help:

  • Donate warm clothing, socks, gloves, boots, or blankets - practical items like these are always in high demand.
  • Spread the word - share accurate information about the project and help reduce stigma. This is a life-saving, temporary emergency service that supports people who might otherwise be left outside. Understanding and kindness go a long way.
  • Offer your skills! If you have a skill or knack for maintenance, snow removal, or wellness services you would like to share with our guests, reach out and we can chat.
  • Be a good neighbour - if you see someone in distress, reach out to us directly. Often, it’s someone in crisis who just needs warmth, safety, and connection. We are here to help.

Our promise to the community

We know this project may raise questions or concerns, and that’s okay - we welcome them. We’re very open to conversation, collaboration, and constructive feedback.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

You can read more about BC Housing’s Temporary Winter Shelter program: https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/housing-provider-info/temporary-winter-shelter-program

Together, we can make sure everyone in Smithers stays safe, warm, and treated with dignity this winter.