Those looking for a warm, dry place to sleep can now spend the night at the cold weather shelter in Gibsons.
The shelter opened on Nov. 2, as temperatures started to lower and before heavy rains hit the Coast, and can be used by anyone who needs it.
As of Dec. 20, the shelter is averaging about five to six people per night, the Sunshine Coast Salvation Army director Darrell Pilgrim told Coast Reporter.
The cold weather shelter is open nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. at 682 Gibsons Way. There is a maximum capacity of 10.
Masks are required when not eating or sleeping. Anyone feeling sick will be given a separate area to quarantine until their test results come back, Pilgrim said.
“We believe that everyone should have a place to go, especially when it's very cold outside. We are happy that we can work with the Town and with BC Housing to be able to make this happen,” Pilgrim said.
The shelter will run until March 31, 2022.
For those looking to help, Pilgrim said they are always looking for toques, gloves and socks. While the shelter does not have capacity to keep larger warm clothing, he said people can donate items like winter coats to the Salvation Army’s thrift store. People who need them will be given vouchers to the thrift store.
