The emergency cold-weather shelter program in Gibsons has started early this year.
On Oct. 17 — the same day B.C.’s River Forecast Centre issued a High Streamflow Advisory due to heavy rains — St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church in Gibsons officially opened its doors to offer 10 beds.
Darrell Pilgrim, the Ministry Director of the Salvation Army, said he began talks with the Town of Gibsons and BC Housing in summer about opening early for the 2023 winter season. The parties agreed to a six-month contract, which Pilgrim said will help everyone understand the dates they’re open. In previous years, the program operated until mid-March and then requested extensions into April due to continuing bad weather.
"I'm excited about the growth of our shelter support services and uses over the past five years," Gibsons Mayor Silas White said. "We've had a couple of different operators, Salvation Army and RainCity. I really commend Darrell and the Salvation Army for getting this extension this year and for providing a lot of services to community members, including food. I recognize that some people are just coming in to get a hot meal when they need it, and that's really valuable."
The shelter operates from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. every night at 659 North Road in Gibsons with 10 beds and access to a bathroom. People who use the service also get a hot dinner when they arrive, breakfast in the morning and a bagged lunch to go. Pilgrim said people can call 604-865-1192 to find out if there is space available.
On Oct. 23, Pilgrim said, “We still have room for people.” The beds usually reach full capacity when the weather includes snow or freezing rain, he added.
Pilgrim says they have all the blankets they need for the program. If people would like to help, donations of new socks and underwear can be made to the Salvation Army office at 5-682 Gibsons Way.
