Photo: Contributed

The City of Kamloops has teamed up with the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society to operate a mini-storage program for the region's homeless population.

The program is based on the success of other, similar programs in places like Vancouver.

The storage building is located at 48 Victoria Street West and will operate four hours a day, seven days a week (excluding statutory holidays).

“For people who are homeless, a storage facility can be the first step to getting off of the streets,” says Jen Casorso, City of Kamloops Social and Community Development Supervisor. “Being able to store their belongings assists homeless people with stabilizing their lives, restoring trust, building relationships, connecting with services, attending training and interviews, and even going to work.”

In addition to the mini-storage program, the space also provides the opportunity for staff and community partners to coordinate other supports and programming, based on the needs of the population. The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society will also be able to provide culturally appropriate supports for the large contingent of homeless people who identify as Indigenous.

There will be no cost for storing belongings, but participants will be required to check in every two to three days, either in person or via phone. Participants will not be allowed to store food, firearms, drugs, or hazardous materials at the facility. Carts will not be stored, as space is limited; however, participants will be provided with a bin to put their belongings in. They will be required to take their cart with them.

Funding for the program has been provided in part by the Government of Canada through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy.

The program begins April 9, 2018.