This article explains how the city of Delta is activating emergency overnight shelters during an upcoming cold snap. It outlines where these shelters are located, who can use them, and what services they provide.
It also highlights how coordinated responses between local organizations, provincial agencies, and community services help protect people experiencing homelessness from dangerous freezing conditions.
Extreme Weather Alert Issued for Delta
The Homelessness Services Association of BC has extended an extreme weather alert in response to forecast overnight temperatures expected to feel like 0°C or below. Such conditions can quickly become life-threatening for people who are sleeping outdoors or in unstable housing.
In line with this alert, Delta’s extreme weather response (EWR) shelters will operate overnight from the evening of December 23 through the morning of December 26. This targeted activation bridges the period when the risk of hypothermia and cold-related injury is highest.
Why Extreme Weather Shelters Matter
Extreme weather shelters are designed as short-term, low-barrier spaces that offer warmth and safety when environmental conditions become hazardous. They operate specifically during intense cold, wind, or storms, so that no one is forced to remain outside when the risk to health is acute.
North Delta: Women-Only Shelter at Crossroads United Church
In North Delta, a dedicated women-only shelter will open at Crossroads United Church, providing an overnight refuge for women who might otherwise face the cold alone or in unsafe situations. This site is tailored to the needs of self-identified women and emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity.
Key Features of the North Delta Shelter
The North Delta women-only EWR shelter will operate from 9 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. during the alert period.
By providing a women-only environment, the shelter addresses both safety and comfort. It recognizes that women experiencing homelessness often encounter unique risks and barriers when accessing mixed-gender spaces.
South Delta: Ladner United Church EWR Shelter
In South Delta, an extreme weather response shelter will operate at Ladner United Church, expanding coverage so that residents in both North and South Delta have a nearby option during the cold spell.
This site is designed to accommodate individuals and couples while offering additional amenities.
Services at the Ladner United Church Shelter
The Ladner EWR shelter will be open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and can host up to nine guests.
It is operated by Options Community Services and funded by BC Housing, reflecting a partnership model between community organizations and provincial agencies.
How Residents Can Access Shelter and Information
To ensure that those who need shelter can find it, Delta residents and service providers are encouraged to use established information channels. Real-time availability and details about services are accessible through multiple platforms.
Checking Shelter Availability and Getting Help
People seeking shelter, or community members assisting others, can:
Staying informed and sharing this information helps ensure that no one is left outside during freezing temperatures.
Extreme weather shelters in Delta are especially important for those who are most vulnerable when winter conditions turn severe.
Here is the source article for this story: Delta’s extreme weather shelters open overnight Dec. 23-26