(Above) Cpt Kevin Elsasser, CO, Comox Valley CC, Courtenay, B.C., welcomes Ronna-Rae Leonard, member of the legislative assembly—Courtenay-Comox, to the grand opening of the renovated shelter

The Salvation Army’s homeless shelter in Courtenay, B.C., reopened in December after extensive renovations that will help the Army better serve the community.

The expansion improves upon the existing 18-bed shelter—having 12 spots for men and six for women—with a 1,200-square-foot addition that includes six new transition beds with computer and Internet access, a 24-seat dining area and a casework office. One of the transition rooms is pet-friendly. People staying in the transition beds will have the opportunity to take part in life-skills programming—such as budgeting, creating a resumé and job skills—that will help them get back into the workforce and break the cycle of poverty.

Following the renovation, the shelter has new windows and doors, heating system, commercial kitchen, bathrooms and storage lockers, as well as 15 cold and wet weather beds, which will operate from November 1 to March 31.