Record number of shelter spaces opening before winter

British Columbia is opening a record number of shelter spaces this winter to help people experiencing homelessness find warmth and safety as temperatures drop. The Province, through BC Housing, is funding 6,486 shelter spaces across 58 communities — the highest total to date.

The expanded network includes 4,158 permanent shelters operating year-round, 1,154 temporary seasonal spaces, 771 extreme-weather response (EWR) beds activated during severe conditions, and 403 new Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) spaces — nearly two and a half times more than last year. BC Housing says more shelters may open later this winter as partnerships with local governments continue.

In addition to shelters, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness is working with municipalities and First Nations to prepare emergency warming centres for use during cold snaps. These centres offer short-term refuge, with eligible costs such as facility rentals and utilities reimbursed by the province.

Over the past year, BC Housing has also increased support for non-profit partners running EWR programs, including funding for community coordinators and operating costs. Provincial officials say the goal is to ensure consistent, coordinated responses to extreme weather events.

According to BC Housing, more than 93,600 homes are now completed or in development across the province, including over 9,400 supportive housing units and 5,500 shelter spaces. Since 2017, both permanent and total shelter capacity in B.C. have more than doubled.