With temperatures below freezing for much of the week and into the weekend, many facilities have opened their doors to offer temporary shelter from the cold to those who need it.
As Greater Victoria braces for 15 to 25 cm of snow this weekend along with frigid temperatures, concerns rise for those left without shelter in the region.
Below is a list of current emergency indoor shelters, warming tents and drop-in spaces available to provide respite from the cold weather for people experiencing homelessness.
INDOOR SHELTER OPTIONS:
The Salvation Army ARC, Chapel, 525 Johnson Street
- Mat spaces available for up to 10 individuals.
- Opening tonight, February 11th to Monday, February 15th.
- Operating hours will be from 8:00 PM – 8:00 AM.
- Call 250-384-3396 or stop by the ARC to sign up for a mat
The James Bay United Church, Victoria Dandelion Society, 511 Michigan Avenue
- Direction: Go along the right hand side of the church and access through the back patio
- Warming respite for up to 20 individuals.
- Not mats, space for people to come in, sit down and warm up
- 24/7 for the duration of the cold front presently upon us. This will be re-evaluated as necessary.
- Toilet facilities
- Coffee/Tea and Snacks
Shelter for Seniors, Downtown, Accessible Location
The GVCEH has 10 spaces available for vulnerable, low acuity, seniors (55+).
- These spaces would be available for individuals to stay 24/7 (with a site closure for maintenance between 12-5)
- Open through Sunday, February 14th, to be reviewed on Monday, February 15th.
- The persons accessing the space are required to stay in the designated area only.
- Referral is through phone intake, please call:
- Site Manager 250-589-7481 hours 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- After hours call the Site Office line 250-508-9326
- NO DROP-INS
- PETS OKAY
Rock Bay Landing Seasonal Shelter, 535 Ellice Street
- Open to come to the shelter or call to get on the list at 250-383-1951.
- 15 more overnight mats added this week and available as long as the current extreme weather continues.
- Breakfast and a bagged lunch.
- All the seasonal mats at RBL will still be overnight-only, people will still have to leave by 8:30 a.m.
Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC), Seasonal Shelter, 231 Regina Avenue
- NO DROP-INS, call any time during the day to see if there is space at 250-812-7100.
- In addition to normal shelters hours, will be staying open 24/7 from Thursday, February 10th to Monday, February 15th
WARMING TENTS:
MEEGAN – Community Care Tent, Cook Street near Dallas Road
- Open: 24/7, community donations can be dropped off during daytime hours from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Warming tent
- Support and access to donated supplies
- Overnight support and crisis response
Royal Athletic Park (RAP), 940 Calendonia Avenue
- Open: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. this week, normal operating hours 12:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Peers Victoria 20 x 20 warming tent for people living at RAP, with a permit from the City and in collaboration with the North Park Neighbourhood Association.
Mustard Seed, 625 Queens Ave
- Open: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday nights 6 p.m – 8 p.m.
- Parking lot warming tents accessible during Mustard Seed open hours for food
Our Place Society, 919 Pandora Avenue
- Open: Daily 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m
- Courtyard tents with heaters
DROP-IN SPACES
Sanctuary Youth Centre (ages 14-22), 767 Humboldt (near Blanshard)
- Up to 6 youth at a time can be inside and will have to wear a mask when not eating/drinking.
- Contact number: 250-385-6255
- Normal operating hours: Friday to Sunday night
- Emergency “Snowy Day” hours: Wednesday, February 10th and Thursday, February 11th from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Food, showers and laundry
Our Place, 919 Pandora Ave
- Drop-in centre open every day from 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Dry and secure storage for personal belongings of people affected by homelessness
- Health and hygiene services including showers for the community (Showers: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
- Three meals served daily
This list will be updated regularly. Find the latest updates here.
