Emergency shelters are temporary but immediate places to stay for anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The Salt Spring Island Emergency Shelter is a year round service available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
The shelter is located at 268 Fulford-Ganges Road, the Island Community Services main site. It has a maximum capacity of 30 individuals.
A typical stay at the shelter includes a bed with linens, hot meals, showers, laundry and support services. It may range from one night to longer depending on needs.
The Salt Spring Emergency Shelter is a minimal-barrier shelter to ensure the most vulnerable people are brought inside and connected to support services. There are no gender restrictions and pets can typically be accommodated. The shelter is for adults over the age of 19. Youth can be sheltered in exceptional circumstances.
The shelter is not able to accommodate individuals with acute or complex medical issues, or individuals whose behaviors present a risk of harm to staff or other shelter users.
The Island Community Services Housing First program and staff can assist individuals using the shelter to identify other housing options and connect them with support services.
During times of extreme weather in the winter season there may be additional capacity at the shelter through the Extreme Weather Response program, that is activated and cancelled based on specific weather-related criteria.
The Emergency Shelter is funded by the Government of BC through an operating agreement with BC Housing. It is part of a province-wide network of year-round, temporary, and extreme weather shelters.
To find out more contact Island Community Services Emergency Shelter at (250) 537-9971 ext. 244.
