Duncan - 531 Herbert Street
Consultation has concluded
Let’s Talk Extreme Weather Response Shelters in Duncan
What’s Happening?
BC Housing has applied to the City of Duncan for a Temporary Use Permit that will enable a 20 space Extreme Weather Response shelter to operate at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (531 Herbert Street, Duncan) over the next two winters.
What is an Extreme Weather Response Shelters?
An Extreme Weather Response (EWR) shelter operates between October 15 to April 15, when an EWR alert is activated by designed community partner. It provides people in your community a warm, safe, and inclusive, space to rest during winter weather.
An EWR shelter does not open every night. The EWR shelter opens from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on nights when an extreme weather alert is activated - typically during periods of below freezing temperatures, significant rain, wind or snow.
The Urgent Need
According to the most recent Point-in-Time Count (March 2020), 129 people are experiencing homelessness in Duncan and the Cowichan Valley. Winter weather can create a life-or-death situation for people experiencing homelessness unless shelter spaces are available for people to come inside, get warm and have access to basic support services.
What will it look like?
Pending the decision by council to approve the Temporary Use Permit, the EWR shelter at 531 Herbert Street will be available between October 15 and April 15 and will be open during nights of extreme weather between the hours of 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Lookout Housing and Health Society will operate the shelter and provide guests with:
- Individual sleeping mats
- Food
- Multiple staff on site to support shelter guests
About the Operator
Lookout Housing and Health Society has been providing housing and a range of support services to adults with low or no income for over 50 years. Please learn more at lookoutsociety.ca.
Your feedback and comments are important to us!
We welcome questions and comments by email to communityrelations@bchousing.org.
Do you have an immediate concern? Is there an emergency? Please view the Who to Call sheet for important phone numbers and emails.
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