A new program in Cranbrook is reaching out to the homeless.
It comes after several members of a local First Nation died on the streets.
This winter marks the first for the Street Angels project in the city, which helps fill in some gaps for the homeless, the sheltered poor, the elderly and anyone else who walks through the centre's doors.
"We try not to duplicate any service that's already available," said Debbie Whitehead, social investment director at Ktunaxa Nation. "We don't open up until they close down."
The centre offers a warm place to hang out during the day, as well as coffee, food, companionship and access to services.
Before the Street Angels opened, homeless people in Cranbook for many hours of the day had no place to go.
"Myself, my daughter, and many people I know, we would walk," said Bob Bowden, who was once homeless. "This place is a godsend.
The Ktunaxa Nation often uses its own resources to serve the centre, such as its nurse and doctor who come in on a regular basis.
On average, 50 to 60 people sign in at the Street Angels Centre every day.
Staff members also visit and provide daily meals to several elderly clients and those who are unable to leave their home.
