Download the Extreme Weather Response Community Plan Burnaby 2020-2021:

2020-2021-EWR-Plan-Bby-FinalDownload

Extreme Weather

Burnaby Extreme Weather Response

Lookout Housing and Health Society operates the Burnaby Extreme Weather Response as part of Burnaby’s community response to homelessness.

The Extreme Weather Response shelters are open whenever the temperature drops below 0 degrees (or feels like 0 degrees) during the night. (see bottom of page for detailed definitions)

*** An announcement will be made on our webpage and social media by noon of that day if the shelter will be open ***

The location of the Burnaby Extreme Weather Response alternates between churches based primarily on availability:

(Between 1st and 15th of the month)
Southside Community Church – 7135 Walker Avenue, Burnaby

(Between 16th and end of the month)
Westminster Bible Chapel – 7540 6th Street, Burnaby

Hours of operation are 8:00pm- 7:00am

Shelter phone number  778 384 6486 (during sheltering hours)

WHAT IS Burnaby’s Extreme Weather Response?

EWR provides for sheltering spaces to be made available overnight when the weather is severe enough to pose a higher health risk to people who experience homelessness.  It operates between October 15 and March 31 or whenever extreme weather occurs.  

Alerts are called on a daily basis with notices distributed widely for posting – e.g. with emergency services, hospitals, clinics, government services, in Burnaby public libraries, community centres, churches and at the offices of social service agencies.  Alerts are called jointly by the operator (Lookout) and Task Force.  Oversight is by the Extreme Weather Response Work Group, a committee of the Task Force To End Homelessness in Burnaby.

People receive food and a safe warm dry place to sleep and referrals to needed services.

Burnaby’s Extreme Weather Response is greatly assisted by the donations of faith community who provide nutritious food and supplies as well as location for the shelter and volunteer support.

Volunteers and assistance are always welcome.  From setting up or taking down the space, to serving food there are a variety of tasks that we need help with.

If you want to help with this initiative, please contact:  info@burnabyhomeless.org

For media requests please contact Dave Brown  (778) 389-4044

FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT EXTREME WEATHER

Extreme weather is defined as conditions deemed severe enough to present a substantial threat to the life or health of homeless persons such as:

  • Temperatures at or below 0° Celsius; temperatures are not absolute and are flexible to other weather conditions; 
  • Wind chill that reduces the temperature to feel like 2° Celsius
  • Snow accumulation; 
  • 3+ days of extended rainfall that make it difficult or impossible for individuals to remain dry; 
  • Freezing rain and/or sleet; 
  • Severe wind and severe wind warning

 Please see the Burnaby Extreme Weather Plan for details on operations.