A year-round dry shelter in Vernon passed another hurdle in its quest to be constructed.

Vernon Council will provide a letter of support to the Upper Room Mission (URM) for its application for a year-round dry shelter, which will be funded by B.C. Housing. 

Councillor Kelly Fehr moved the motion at the Monday, Jan. 13 meeting.

URM acquired three adjacent lots on 27th Avenue in downtown Vernon for redevelopment. 

The proposed redevelopment of the facility includes the year-round shelter, a 15-bed substance withdrawal management unit, 100 units of sober living accommodations and ancillary support services, which include employment opportunities and social enterprise solutions. 

The URM was founded in 1980 and has served as a cornerstone of support for individuals facing homelessness, poverty and isolation. In the past two years, the URM has operated a winter shelter mat program, providing essential bed spaces to address Vernon's rising homeless population. 

Mayor Victor Cumming will be providing the letter of support to Upper Room Mission.