The Gathering Place is gearing up for a large-scale expansion, which will nearly double the number of beds available for those in need.

The group plans to add dozens of beds in the coming weeks as it continues to see an increased need for support for the unhoused community.

Executive Director Paul Davis says mental health and addiction issues have “blown up” in the province, and the shelter can’t keep up.

“Our 30-bed temporary shelter is essentially full every night. There’s no two ways about it,” he said

“One of the hardest things that occurs for our staff on any given day is someone knocking at the shelter door at 11:00 or 12:00 at night or 1:00 in the morning looking for a place to stay and we’re not able to provide it and there’s nowhere else for them to go. So expanding our shelter services will be a big help to that,” he said.