The first batch of close to 300 beds for Vancouver’s homeless population opened up today (Nov. 1) across the downtown core and Downtown Eastside.
The Nov. 1 openings include:
- 1401 Hornby St. Forty beds for men and women operated by RainCity Housing and Support Society.
- 1060 Howe St. Thirty beds for men and women operated by Community Builders Group.
- 609 Helmcken St. Thirty beds for men and women operated by The Gathering Place Community Centre.
- 131 Dunlevy Ave. Sixteen beds for women operated by the Atira Women's Resource Society.
- 119 East Cordova Ave. (Chapel Shelter) Forty beds for men and women operated by Salvation Army.
- 134 East Cordova Ave. (Anchor of Hope). Forty beds for men and women operated by Salvation Army.
- 138 East Cordova St. (Sutherland Shelter) Thirty beds for men operated by Salvation Army.
Remaining spaces that will open before month’s end include:
- 1648 E 1st Ave. Opens Nov. 8 with 40 beds for men and women, operated by RainCity Housing and Support Society.
- 828 Cambie St. Opens Nov. 15 with 20 beds for men, operated by Catholic Charities Men's Hostel
- 1138 Burrard St. Opens Nov. 15 with 12 beds for male and female youth, operated by Directions Youth Services.
Those looking for shelter space can call 2-1-1 to check availability. A a full list of shelters is available here.
Community centres and other public buildings are also available during their open hours as spaces to warm up.
The city also activates Warming Centres in extreme cold weather as a life-saving measure when the temperature reaches -5°C or below, or it feels like -5°C or below.
Last year, roughly 100 people accessed the city’s Warming Centres on any open night.
The city and province have opened temporary shelters each winter across the city since 2009, in addition to the more than 900 year-round shelter beds that are available.
