Plans are taking shape for a homeless shelter in Cranbrook.

Pre-development work on the regional shelter is just about complete, and the organization behind the effort is seeking community support.

Run by the Salvation Army, the shelter would sit on 2.5 acres behind the Salvation Army's headquarters on Slater Road.

Once complete, the large facility will provide housing for 80 people. It consists of:

16 shelter beds for men and 16 for women;

16 second-floor units for transitional stays;

16 third-floor units for longer stays;

four family units with three bedrooms in each.

Besides housing, the facility will have a commercial kitchen and cafeteria, and space for amenities such as hair cuts, access to computers, and teaching.

The Cranbrook and District Community Foundation (CDCF), a collaboration of local groups, is about to complete pre-development work using a $118,000 grant from Service Canada. Part of that work is architectural design and various surveys of the land, which was donated by the Salvation Army.

The next step is to take the proposal to BC Housing, in hopes of a major funding grant.

"We are hoping to have the proposal done for BC Housing for the fall," said Melba Hansen, executive director of CDCF.

"The building developer is in the process of costing the structure out. When that's done, we'll probably have an announcement," said Hansen.

In the meantime, the foundation is asking local businesses and individuals for support in stocking the shelter.

"What we're trying to raise money for now is the soft costs. Furniture, bedding, a computer station, linens, tables and chairs for the cafeteria... Those are going to be substantial costs," said Hansen.

So far, the entire region is showing its support for the project, which would help solve the growing problem of homelessness in Cranbrook.

"We have been very grateful for some of the donations. We had an anonymous donor give us $57,000 for our development work," said Hansen.

The East Kootenay Community Credit Union, BDO Dunwoody and the Columbia Basin Trust through the Regional District of East Kootenay have all made significant contributions, Hansen said.

"We're finding very generous people. The thing we're really pleased with is the regional nature of the donations."

Community groups as far away as Sparwood have fundraised on behalf of the Shelter, Hansen added.

Anyone wishing to support the homeless shelter can call the Cranbrook and District Community Foundation at 250-426-1119 or mail a cheque to 801B Baker Street, Cranbrook, V1C 1A3.

Check future issues of The Townsman for more intensive coverage of the shelter's progress and the homelessness crisis in Cranbrook.