Preparations are under way for The Salvation Army to meet the needs of the homeless in Cranbrook, B.C., through a shelter and transitional housing project.

“The architectural plans have been developed and all that is needed now is final approval and commitment of funds from B.C. Housing,” explains Captain Kirk Green, corps officer, Salvation Army Cranbrook—Kootenay Valley Community Church, B.C. “Once that is secured, we will start work in the spring.”

For the past two and a half years, Captain Green has been meeting with the Cranbrook and District Community Foundation, B.C. Housing and a variety of other community groups and agencies to develop the project. When the meetings first commenced with B.C. Housing, Captain Green says there was no chance of receiving funding.

“Now, we've moved up to being their number one priority and we are on the cusp of making a formal presentation to them to secure the necessary $15 million. Not only have they seen the need, but we've received strong support from our local past and present members of Parliament on this project.”

The three-storey shelter will be built on land owned by The Salvation Army, adjacent to the thrift store and corps. It will provide 72 beds in the form of shelter beds for men and women, transitional units and long-term supportive housing.

“There is a definite need for this type of housing in Cranbrook as we have a significant homeless and at-risk of homelessness population,” says Captain Green. “Our corps already operates a seasonal shelter so this project will be an extension of what we are currently doing.”