As the winter days have grown colder, so too has concern about Creston's unhoused population.
While it’s difficult to get a solid count, there are approximately 12 unhoused people in the community.
Over the past week, an emergency warming centre opened overnight in the former ambulance building, located at 138 10 Ave. N. It opened again for three nights from Jan. 24 to 26.
The centre is a public space with a purpose of providing a safe, warm, dry place for anyone who needs it. There is access to washrooms, a seating area, snacks, and refreshments.
Back in November, town council approved the temporary shelter in cases of extreme elements, like temperatures below -10 C. As of Jan. 19, freezing weather had arrived, dipping to -14 C.
In the fall, public feedback on opening an emergency warming centre was collected. A total of 318 people responded, with over 70 per cent voicing their support.
In a release dated Jan. 21, council stated public feedback received “will continue to guide decision-making and advocacy work for the community.”
However, Creston has yet to establish a year-round shelter for the unhoused, and it remains a divisive topic. The need has been growing since 2023, when a tent camp formed outside of Trinity United Church.
The Creston Valley Den Society, a non-profit group of 80 local volunteers, has been calling for a permanent solution.
“This is a gap in service,” said Nancy DeVuono, board chair. “Our unhoused folks in Creston suffer and all are traumatized in one way or another. We have great compassion for these individuals.”
In response to the tent encampment, the Den opened and operated a temporary shelter in January 2024 called “Out of the Cold” in the old ambulance building. The nine-bed space was open from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. offering access to facilities and three meals per day.
Total costs to operate the shelter added up to $108,557. The funding came from BC Housing and community donations.
It closed on March 31, after serving 17 unhoused individuals, as the Creston Zoning Bylaw only allows for temporary use and not a permanent or long-term facility.
“By all measures, the Out of the Cold program was extremely successful, especially considering it was staffed, furnished and funded in a matter of weeks,” said DeVuono.
“Some who were living in vehicles or temporarily couch surfing were able to come in for respite, a meal, some comfort, and connection to services. A number of these clients were able to move on to more sustainable housing, employment, or treatment due in part to the help they received from the Den. There were no major problems or incidents, and we were good neighbours.”
Since then, efforts to establish a year-round shelter have faced hurdles. The Town of Creston has been working with BC Housing to explore long-term options, but challenges in hiring trained staff and finding an appropriate location have hampered progress.
Last March, discussion started on whether 1130 Canyon Street, the public washroom building located downtown, would be viable as a spot for a permanent shelter.
A public petition was circulated to block the proposal, as unrest grew among Creston residents and business owners in the area. It quickly became clear a shelter would not be supported on Main Street.
Mayor Arnold DeBoon has reiterated establishing a shelter for the unhoused is not a core level of service offered by the town.
“Housing is a provincial responsibility, but we are committed to working with BC Housing and other partners to ensure our community’s needs are met,” he said. “We will continue to advocate for sustainable and effective solutions for those who need them.”
When a request for proposal (RFP) came up for the empty ambulance building, the Den thought it to be the obvious solution.
The Den brought forward a proposal for a nine-bed, medium-barrier shelter for the 2024/25 winter season with full funding from BC Housing. It was submitted prior to the RFP’s deadline in August 2024. However, the Town of Creston declined the proposal, citing the need for public consultation to rezone the building.
BC Housing’s deadline for funding applications in September came and went, leaving the Den disappointed with a missed opportunity to open a shelter for the winter. The town didn’t begin the process to collect public feedback until October.
“We were fully expecting to be part of the town’s community consultation process. We want to figure this out together, as a community, because people are suffering every day,” said DeVuono.
In response, DeBoon was persistent that council's decision was based on the necessity of conducting public consultation, especially for a long-term facility.
“I know they're frustrated,” he said. “Honestly, I don't believe we could deliver anything differently to them, given the timeline. You're required by law to do public consultation so people that are in the neighbourhood affected by your change have an opportunity to state their concerns.”
Despite the setbacks, the Den has continued to support unhoused individuals in the community by providing outreach, food, and other supplies.
"In spite of the unstable and unsafe conditions in which they live, we have seen them be respectful, non-threatening, appreciative of any help that is offered, and trying to look out for others on the street,” said DeVuono. “They are all on hard times. But we, in Creston, can help if we work together.”
For more information on the Den, visit www.crestonvalleydensociety.ca. To volunteer and become a Friend of the Den, contact info@crestonvalleydensociety.ca.
