The Extreme Weather Response program provides only funds time-limited, temporary shelter beds needed during extreme weather conditions from November 1st through to March 31st. This information is provided to assist communities interested in creating their own Extreme Weather Response. Read Program Framework.

Funding criteria

The following criteria must be met to be eligible for funding:

Extreme weather shelter operators must be included in their community's Extreme Weather Response Plan.
Extreme weather shelter operators must have prior approval from BC Housing's Regional Office for their Extreme Weather Shelter Nightly Budget.

Extreme weather shelter operators are encouraged to submit their budget with the Extreme Weather Response Plan submitted by their community.

Extreme Weather Response policy
BC Housing's Extreme Weather Response Policy contains information required for developing a community plan, funding eligibility, allowable expenses, and requirements to submit statistics and expense claims. Download the Extreme Weather Response Policy (PDF.)

Forms for Extreme Weather Response shelter operators
These forms are provided for Extreme Weather Response shelter operators in Word or PDF formats.

Volunteer Training

The following resources have been made available by the Greater Vancouver Shelter Strategy Extreme Weather Response Task Force and Peter Fedos, Extreme Weather Response Coordinator Surrey, for your use. Any information contained herein is intended to support Extreme Weather Response staff and volunteers. BC Housing is not responsible for the subject matter or its presentation.
- Volunteer training guide
- Training presentation (PowerPoint)

Assistance To Shelter Act

The Assistance to Shelter Act gives local police and RCMP the ability to assist a homeless person on the street during extreme weather by bringing them to a shelter or connecting them with a shelter worker. Learn more.