2024-2025 Winter Shelter Spaces Across British Columbia

As temperatures begin to drop across British Columbia, thousands of people experiencing homelessness will have access to safe, heated spaces this winter. Through BC Housing, the Province has opened 6,098 shelter spaces across 59 communities, marking a 22% increase over last year. The range of shelters includes permanent, temporary, extreme-weather response shelters and newly added Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) units, offering an array of options to meet community needs throughout the winter season.

Expanding Access to Shelters Across B.C.

The expansion of winter shelters is part of British Columbia’s ongoing effort to ensure that individuals facing homelessness have access to reliable shelter and essential services during the coldest months of the year. These spaces fall into several categories:

• Permanent Shelters: Open year-round and available 24/7, these 4,086 permanent spaces offer stable shelter and are equipped to provide meals and support services to guests.
• Temporary Shelters: With 1,182 temporary spaces available across the province, these shelters operate daily, with many providing round-the-clock access and meals. These spaces, which opened on November 1, will remain available through March or April, depending on location.
• Extreme-Weather Response (EWR) Shelters: Triggered by local extreme-weather alerts, EWR shelters offer 668 overnight spaces to protect vulnerable people during severe weather conditions, including frigid temperatures, heavy rainfall, and snowstorms. These spaces are available from October 15, 2024, through April 15, 2025.
• Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) Units: Through partnerships with municipalities, BC is adding 162 HEARTH-funded spaces this season. HEARTH units offer shelter and temporary housing options, particularly aimed at addressing the needs of those in homeless encampments.

Additional spaces are expected to open in the coming months as BC Housing collaborates with communities to identify further shelter sites and finalize operational agreements.

Community Support for Extreme Weather

The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness also offers support for communities to establish emergency warming centres during extreme weather events. These centres serve as temporary spaces where people can escape the cold, receive information on staying warm, and access other services as needed. Local governments and First Nations can apply for reimbursement on eligible costs associated with these centres, including facility rentals and utility expenses.

Enhanced Funding for EWR Shelters and Community Support

In response to feedback from non-profits and community organizations, BC Housing has implemented new measures to support these organizations in managing extreme-weather response programs. This includes increased funding for EWR coordinators and additional financial support for non-profits to cover EWR program-related expenses, ensuring smoother shelter operations and better coordination at the community level.

Shelter Availability and Access

The winter shelters, along with emergency warming centres, play a vital role in providing shelter, meals, and warmth to those most at risk during the cold season. With a comprehensive network of spaces now available across the province, people experiencing homelessness in British Columbia have a safer path through the winter months.

For a detailed list of shelter locations and operating hours, visit BC Housing’s official site or contact your local shelter.

List of Winter Shelters Across British Columbia

Below is a brief list of available winter shelters across British Columbia, provided by DOWNTOWNEASTSIDE.ORG. This information has been verified as of November 1, 2024, to help individuals and families find nearby shelter options during the winter season. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the listed shelters or visit official sources regularly as availability may change.

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