Warming centres open to protect homeless through Vancouver cold snap

December has hit and the cold weather is upon us.

In response, the City of Vancouver is opening more warm indoor spaces for anyone experiencing homelessness.

Metro Vancouver got cold this weekend, with Environment Canada announcing up to 10 centimetres of snow across the Lower Mainland on Sunday night.

Bruk Melles, Director of Homelessness Services for the City of Vancouver, says with the weather dipping below freezing, they’re encouraging folks to visit and take a break from sustaining the elements.

“It’s certainly not a time to be outdoors. While some people choose to be outdoors in better weather, this is not the time of year that it’s actually safe to be outdoors,” said Melles.

Weather update: #Vancouver could see up to 5 cm snow fall overnight into rush hour. Our crews have been busy prepping bridge decks, hills and priority routes. Pls drive and cycle carefully tomorrow morning. https://t.co/kY4izxY7ew pic.twitter.com/9Ht3thnCAF City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) December 6, 2021

There are approximately 89 Extreme Weather Response beds across five sites. There are also two temporary winter response shelters, which brings in an additional 25 beds.

About 140 more spaces will be opened in addition to the 1,350 year-round beds available at permanent and temporary shelters.

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“With this cold weather, the City of Vancouver is hoping to really encourage folks who do sleep outdoors to come indoors from a life safety perspective, so they are safe from the winter elements,” she said.

Typically, warming centres don’t open until it feels like, or is, negative five degrees. However, more spaces opened after learning of Environment Canada’s snowfall warning.

“We decided to open it at extreme weather temperatures, which is at or below zero,” she said. “Folks who do choose to come inside are definitely appreciative of having this option.”

Due to extreme weather, a warming centre with hot drinks & snacks is open at Powell Street Getaway from Dec 3-6. Additional shelter space is also available:
– Directions Youth Services Centre
– Tenth Church
– Cascades Church
– Evelyne Saller Centre
– Langara YMCA
Details: pic.twitter.com/yqXhpxqImd City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) December 3, 2021

Pets are accepted at some of the sites, with room for people to store their baggage if need be.

“We make sure to also follow COVID response guidelines as well in terms of keeping people safe indoors,” said Melles.