Williams Lake has expanded its support for people experiencing homelessness with the opening of Roots on First, a new year-round shelter providing 38 indoor spaces and wraparound services.
The facility, located at 98 1st Ave. South, replaces and expands on the 20 beds previously available at the Hamilton Hotel. It includes daily meals, laundry, shower facilities, storage, and staff who help connect residents with health and social supports. The new location also features an overdose-prevention site to ensure safety and reduce public substance use.
Fifteen guests from the Hamilton Hotel have already moved in, and the shelter began welcoming others in early July 2025. Operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association-Cariboo Chilcotin Branch, Roots on First is supported by $3.2 million in capital funding and $2 million in annual operating funding from the Province, through BC Housing.
This new facility brings the total number of shelter spaces in Williams Lake to 68, including 30 beds at the Cariboo Friendship Society.
While shelters address immediate needs, the Province says the ultimate goal is long-term housing stability through the Belonging in BC plan. Since 2017, more than 93,250 homes have been delivered or are underway across B.C., including 75 in Williams Lake.
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