Lack of Warming and Emergency Shelters in Abbotsford Puts Homeless Population at Risk: Advocates Warn

Advocates Warn Lack of Warming and Emergency Weather Shelters Could Have Dire Consequences

Homeless advocates in the Lower Mainland are raising concerns over the lack of warming and emergency weather shelters in the region, warning that this could have dire consequences for the growing homeless population. While warming centres have been established in some areas during the day, such as North Vancouver, Vancouver, New Westminster, and Abbotsford, there are no 24-hour warming spaces available in cities like Port Coquitlam.

Ward Draper, a street pastor and founder of The 5 and 2 Ministries in Abbotsford, expressed his frustration over the situation, stating that there has been little improvement over the past 20 years. Draper highlighted the familiar issues of mental health and addiction as contributing factors to homelessness, but also emphasized the new narrative of unaffordability. He lamented the lack of shelter spaces in the Fraser Valley and criticized the disparity in funding between Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and the suburbs.

In response to the growing need for shelter spaces, more than a dozen non-profit organizations have called on the City of Vancouver and the provincial government to swiftly fund and open 24-hour warming spaces in the city. They have also demanded a moratorium on the removal of tent-like structures belonging to people sleeping outside during the winter months.

Stephen D’Souza, executive-director of the Homelessness Services Association of B.C., emphasized that the need for warming centres and emergency weather shelters extends beyond Vancouver, encompassing communities across the province. He stressed the importance of pushing for permanent solutions from senior levels of government, rather than relying on temporary measures.

As temperatures continue to drop, the risks for those living outdoors increase. B.C. Emergency Health Services reported that paramedics responded to 38 calls related to hypothermia or frostbite in the past week. In Abbotsford, Drug War Survivors Abbotsford is currently operating a shelter in an old auto dealership, but it is set to close in February. The lack of available shelter beds has left many individuals without a warm place to sleep during freezing nights.

Homeless advocates are urging immediate action to address the shortage of warming and emergency weather shelters, as the consequences for the vulnerable homeless population could be dire..