With the bone-chilling temperatures arriving Thursday (Jan. 11), some extreme-weather spaces are set to open in Chilliwack for those experiencing homelessness.
At least 40 extreme-weather response spaces will be made available as the cold snap hits, said Scott Gaglardi, executive director of Ruth and Naomi’s Mission.
“We fully anticipate being full to capacity,” said Gaglardi. “We will never turn anyone away.”
They’ll open the shelter doors after 8 p.m. Thursday at 45835 Spadina Ave., inside the Cheam View United Church building, run by RAN.
The forecast from Environment Canada stated that between Thursday (Jan. 11) and Monday, (Jan. 15) they are expecting the “first significant arctic blast of the season,” with icy temperatures made worse by wind chill.
The winter shelter spaces are not “fancy” accommodations, just enough for those trying to get out of the cold.
“Everyone who stays gets a warm snack, a comforting drink, and a place to rest,” according to the RAN Facebook page. “It’s not fancy, but it’s essential. It’s about humanity and ensuring no one faces the elements alone.”
Drop-in services during the day to allow folks to warm up are at the Wellness Centre Chilliwack, 45951 Trethewey Ave., run by PCRS, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
According to BC Housing, the opening of “Extreme Weather Response Shelters” are triggered when a local community declares an alert for sub-zero temperatures, under the Assistance to Shelter Act, with the understanding that anyone sleeping outside could risk their health and safety. Extreme Weather Response Shelters are operated by BC Housing and their partners for anyone who is experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
With the Jan. 11 forecast calling for blowing snow in the morning and afternoon, temperatures will fall to minus-8, which will feel like minus-18 by afternoon with the wind chill factor.
Black Press Media spoke with meteorologist Armel Castellan from Environment Canada about the extreme cold temperatures and snowfall warnings expected in weather alerts issued for Thursday across most areas of the province.
READ MORE: Wellness Centre opens in Chilliwack
*An earlier version of the this news story listed the Ruth and Naomi’s shelter on Margaret Avenue as offering extreme-weather shelter spaces, but it was confirmed that only the shelter on Spadina has these spaces, triggered by freezing temperatures.
