The Cold 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 April 15 or whenever extreme weather occurs.

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

People receive hot food and supplies and a safe warm dry place to sleep.  They are also referred to needed services.

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

FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT EXTREME WEATHER COLD RESPONSE

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 0° Celsius
• Snow accumulation; 
• 2 consecutive days of steady rainfall that make it difficult or impossible for individuals to remain dry; 
• Freezing rain and/or sleet; 
• Severe wind and severe wind warning

The Burnaby Extreme Weather Heat Response (EWHR) Plan sets the framework to prevent harmful health impacts of extreme hot weather on people experiencing homelessness within the municipality of Burnaby and coordinates resources to respond.  

The EWHR Plan works in conjunction with the City of Burnaby heat response, providing additional directions and support due to the extra vulnerability of people who experience homelessness.

The Extreme Weather Heat Response outdoor cooling sites are opened whenever the temperature is likely to reach a daytime high of 29 degrees Celsius for two or more consecutive days.

*** An alert will be given by email and on our webpage and social media by 11 am of the day prior to the outdoor Cooling Sites opening ***

The location of the Burnaby Extreme Weather Heat Response Cooling Stations operated by the Society to End Homelessness in Burnaby is currently located at:

Burnaby Civic Square – at the intersection of McKay and Central – behind Bob Prittie Library at 6100 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby

Hours of operation are 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

FREE SERVICES AVAILABLE:

Water, cooling cloths, food, summer clothing, sunscreen, hygiene supplies,  board games, access to nurses, Outreach Workers, etc.

For more info call: 604-902-3071

The Heat Response Plan Main Objectives

The core response objectives of this EWHR during periods of extreme heat are to:

• alert the most vulnerable that extreme heat weather conditions are either expected or currently exist so that they can take heat precautions;
• educate both people who are homeless and the services and support they rely on to the risks of heat to the homeless population and identify actions they can take to reduce risks; and
• identify temporary relief locations in Burnaby, and establish as needed, where people experiencing homelessness can go to cool down.

The EWHR Plan has been developed in recognition of the COVID-19 pandemic.  It has been drafted to follow the instructions and guidelines of the provincial Chief Medical Health Officer.

The Burnaby Extreme Weather Heat Response Committee, on behalf of the Task Force To End Homelessness in Burnaby – working collaboratively with the City of Burnaby, Division of Family Practice, Fraser Health, Lookout Housing and Health Society, Progressive Housing and other interested parties – has the responsibility of creating Burnaby’s Extreme Weather Heat Response (EWHR) and conducting annual reviews.