February 9, 2026 - SMITHERS - The Town of Smithers is pleased to share that our community has been selected as one of the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs and BC Housing’s Heart and Hearth communities. The Heart and Hearth program is funded by the Province under the Belonging in BC Homelessness Plan: Homeless Encampment Action Response Team (HEART) and the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH).
The Heart and Hearth program focuses on both outreach and housing support, helping people with addiction and mental health challenges connect with services, while also providing physical shelter and pathways toward stable housing.
For years, Smithers Council and staff have been advocating for more support in our community, and we’re grateful to see this step forward. We appreciate that the Province and BC Housing have recognized the needs of our small northern community.
The Town will work closely with BC Housing to explore options for shelter opportunities and increased outreach supports for those who need it most. Council has also asked for clear public engagement as part of the process with BC Housing, so that we can seek solutions that our community supports.
This investment is about compassion, safety, and working together as a community. More details will be shared as the plan progresses and community engagement begins.
Read the full announcement from BC Housing here: https://news.bchousing.org/opening-new-housing-options-for-people-experiencing-homelessness/
For more information on the Heart and Hearth program, visit www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/housing-provider-info/HEART-HEARTH.
Read the Community Q & A here.
For further information contact: Samantha LeBlanc, Engagement and Communications Officer, Town of Smithers, communications@smithers.ca, 250-847-1600