As winter approaches, those experiencing homelessness will have shelter to keep warm in Burnaby.
The province says 26 spaces will be available at a temporary shelter located at the Progressive Housing Society (2294 Douglas Rd.) while extreme weather response locations will be available at 7135 Walker Ave. with 12 spaces and 7540 6th St. with 10 spaces.
The temporary shelters will be open each night during the season, with some operating around the clock and with meals provided. They are typically open from Nov. 1 to April 30.
Some have already opened and the government explains more is set to open this month and later in the season.
Extreme weather response shelters open overnight when a community issues an extreme weather alert and are usually available from Nov. 1 to March 31 yearly.
The province says more shelters could be added throughout the winter when they are needed with the temporary housing helping supplement more than 2,250 permanent year-round shelter spaces open around B.C.
Emergency shelter programs are made possible with partnerships from the province, communities and non-profit groups to help those in urgent need of shelter during dangerous weather.
Updates to the lists of temporary and extreme weather shelters can be found online on BC Housing's website.
BC Housing says shelters provide some or all of the following basic services:
- Bedding mattress or pad, pillow, blanket and linens
- Shower and laundry towel, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, deodorant, menstrual products for women
- Laundry washing facilities for clothes and linens
- Three meals a day
- Access to support staff and personalized help from a case worker
- Staff available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (year-round shelters only)
- Secure area for belongings
Some shelters may offer additional services, including:
- Safety separated sleeping areas for men and women
- Secure area for storing larger items such as shopping carts
- Accepts pets
- Operating hours curfew to limit late-night arrivals that might disturb sleep
- Common area a place to meet and connect with other people
- Medical support a nurse or physician visit
- Resource room lounge, library, computers, phone, TV
- Kitchen shared appliances
- Clothes and toys clothes, shoes and childcare items
- Culture support and connection for people who speak other languages
- Access to support staff and individualized help from a case worker
