The temperature over the next week is expected to drop below zero, prompting the City of Vancouver to issue an extreme weather alert in order to activate the Assistance to Shelter Act.
Under the act, police will assist those at risk of exposure during sub-zero weather conditions in finding room at shelters for the night.
Several emergency shelters will provide space during the alert, which includes Saturday and Sunday.
This as Vancouver's "Homeless Emergency Action Team" shelters are full.
For those needing shelter, the City says they can visit the following places open during the alert:
Saturday, December 29:
The Gathering Place (609 Helmecken St)
During extreme weather the facility opens between midnight and 7:00 am. Up to 40 people can be sheltered in the theatre space at the facility. People are provided with blankets and mats to sleep on and food and beverages are provided in the evening and in the morning.
Union Gospel Mission (601 East Hastings)
During an extreme weather alert an additional 20 spaces for men will be made available if the regular 72 shelter beds become full. Hours are 9:00 pm until 6 am.
Catholic Charities (828 Cambie St)
Will provide overnight accommodation for up to 20 men.
Back up sites:
The Salvation Army Harbour Light (119 East Cordova St.)
Can accommodate up to 40 people. People receive mats, pillows and blankets. Coffee and a snack are provided in the morning. This shelter will only open if there is sufficient overflow from Harbour Light’s year-round and CWW shelters.
The Salvation Army Belkin House (555 Homer St.)
Can accommodate 13 men and 7 women. Opens after other shelters full after 11:00 pm. Breakfast is served at 7:30 am.
Sunday, December 30:
St. Mark’s Extreme Weather Shelter (1805 Larch St)
This facility can accommodate up to 25 people. Opens at 9:30 pm- Intake closes at 11:00 pm. Hot meal on intake. Carts stored.
The Gathering Place (609 Helmcken St)
During extreme weather the facility opens between midnight and 7:00 am. Up to 40 people can be sheltered in the theatre space at the facility. People are provided with blankets and mats to sleep on and food and beverages are provided in the evening and in the morning.
Union Gospel Mission (601 East Hastings)
During an extreme weather alert an additional 20 spaces for men will be made available if the regular 72 shelter beds become full. Hours are 9:00 pm until 6 am.
Catholic Charities (828 Cambie St)
Will provide overnight accommodation for up to 20 men.
Covenant House (575 Drake St)
Will provide overnight accommodation on folding cots for up to 12 youths (16-24 yrs). Registration between 9:00 and 10:30 pm. An evening hot meal and breakfast are provided.
Back up sites:
The Salvation Army Harbour Light (119 East Cordova St.)
Can accommodate up to 40 people. People receive mats, pillows and blankets. Coffee and a snack are provided in the morning. This shelter will only open if there is sufficient overflow from Harbour Light’s year-round and CWW shelters.
The Salvation Army Belkin House (555 Homer St.)
Can accommodate 13 men and 7 women. Opens after other shelters full after 11:00 pm. Breakfast is served at 7:30 am.