Operators of extreme weather shelters are preparing to open their doors as overnight temperatures start to dip in Metro Vancouver.
Eight cities in Metro Vancouver have extreme weather response plans in place, providing spaces for up to 574 people.
In Vancouver, the temperature, precipitation, if there’s any snow on the ground, and how much space is available at existing shelter sites are all taken into account when deciding whether or not to activate the extreme weather shelters.
Last winter, the extreme weather shelter sites across Metro Vancouver provided a total of 4,013 nights of service. No one was turned away for a lack of space.
The shelters fill an important need for people who might not otherwise access traditional shelters.
“There are many people out there who may not access the regular year-round shelters, because they are full, or because they don’t like the rules that come with going to those sites,” says James Pratt, Regional Extreme Weather Coordinator for the Greater Vancouver Shelter Strategy. “We open up these extreme weather response shelters across the region, it’s a low-barrier way for people to get in out of the cold, stay safe and stay healthy.”
Some of the additional beds are mats added to existing shelters, and others are at churches or community centres.
Pratt says the extreme weather shelters provide a basic service for clients, consisting of a warm meal upon arrival and breakfast. The service is overnight only.
For a list of extreme weather shelters, click here
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