BC housing opens more indoor shelter spaces as they prepare for winter.

Extreme weather-response shelters open overnight during extreme weather alerts, such as during cold temperatures, snow or heavy rain. Communities determine what weather conditions necessitate an extreme weather alert in co-ordination with BC Housing. There are 520 shelters in the EWR program and will be available until April 15, 2024.

In the coming weeks, BC Housing will finalize operating agreements to open more shelter spaces this season, as communities identify additional sites.

Given the extreme cold temperatures in northern B.C., BC Housing has worked with provider to convert 135 temporary shelters into permanent shelters so that more spaces are open nightly all season.

Since last year BC Housing has converted 1,652 temporary shelter spaces into permanent shelter spaces, providing continuity in funding to support a more sustainable approach to managing issues around lack of space.

Additionally, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, provides reimbursements to local authorities and First Nations for opening emergency-warming centres during extreme weather. Warming centres help people warm up during cold weather and provide information about how to stay warm during the winter. Communities may be reimbursed for costs to establish warming centres, including facility rental and incremental utility costs.

While shelters provide immediate relief they are only one part of the housing system. BC Housing states that moving people into permanent, stable housing benefits everyone in the community.

Prince George has 4 shelters totalling 145 spaces:

AWAC Women’s Shelter, 144 George St., 40 year-round spaces
Ketso Yoh Centre Men’s Hostel, 140 Quebec St., 30 year-round spaces
Second Avenue Shelter, 1151 2nd Ave., 30 year-round spaces
Bridget Moran Place, 1188 6th Avenue., 45 year-round spaces

by Sam Bennison

BC housing opens more indoor shelter spaces as they prepare for winter.

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