BREMERTON — Kitsap County’s only year-round, overnight homeless shelter could close, at least temporarily, next month.

Kitsap Rescue Mission will be without a space to run its overnight shelter service by Oct. 13 because its current building is not up to fire code, according to an announcement by the nonprofit on Wednesday.

"We just need to find temporary accommodations," said Nancy Olsten, Kitsap Rescue Mission interim executive director.

The Rescue Mission, which has 26 beds, has been operating under a temporary permit during renovations to its building on Sixth Street in downtown Bremerton. But that permit is set to expire because of concerns about fire safety and will not be renewed until the building is brought up to code, according to the announcement.

The building needs a sprinkler system, which is around $200,000. But before the sprinkler can be installed, the shelter has to undergo a $400,000 roof replacement.

"Even if the money arrives tomorrow, we won't be able to get it up and operating before (October 13)," Olsten said at a Kitsap Housing and Homelessness Coalition meeting Wednesday afternoon.

Despite the shelter’s departure, the Rescue Mission will still keep its dayroom open and continue offering services during business hours.

The mission hopes to reopen the shelter permanently, but the details are still being worked out. Leaders will be meeting weekly with Bremerton city officials to bring the space in compliance with code, according to the announcement.

“I’m sure we can work with them to keep them in the building," said Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler. “Their eviction is not imminent."

Wheeler said the city has encouraged the Rescue Mission to apply for new grant funding to install the sprinkler system. If the shelter successfully applies, Wheeler said, “I will extend their temporary occupancy."

Kirsten Jewell, Kitsap County's housing and homelessness program coordinator, said, "We all want to figure it out because it's a really important resource in the community."

The nonprofit is currently searching for another facility that could provide shelter for its 26 guests.

The mission’s leaders are also looking to set up a temporary shelter, possibly in a church parking lot or field. According to the announcement, the site would be fenced, have staff and maintain hygiene facilities on site.

"I have confidence if we do find a space, we could pull it together well," Olsten said. "We just really need a spot."