Powell River’s emergency homeless shelter is a couple of weeks from opening and has been given a name.
The 40-bed facility at 7104 Barnet Street will be called Driftwood Shelter and will run year-round, 24-7 by Lift Community Services.
The city is leasing the land to BC Housing.
Driftwood Shelter was chosen as a symbol of endurance and landing.
“Like driftwood shaped by the elements, people accessing shelter services are often enduring harsh circumstances beyond their control. Their experiences can be shaped by external forces that are difficult to navigate,” BC Housing said in an update to neighbours.
Driftwood also represents “a landing place – a place to rest.”
Also on the property is the qathet Overdose Prevention Site that previously operated on Joyce Avenue.
Powell River has seen a gap in services for the homeless since the 4746 Joyce Avenue shelter closed in March 2025.
BC Housing has planned 20-minute tours for neighbours on Wednesday, April 1.
You need to register ahead of time for the tour by clicking here.
Driftwood Shelter is being called a temporary shelter because the long term plan is to build 20 permanent shelter spaces and 43 supportive housing units on Joyce Avenue near qathet General Hospital.
Once that happens, Barnet Street would convert to geared-to-income rental housing.
Powell River Council will be updated on Driftwood Shelter at the committee level tonight (March 17).
