The Gateway of Hope, 91原创鈥檚 primary homeless shelter, has been busy as winter weather has closed in over the Lower Mainland.

鈥淥n average, we鈥檙e running at 100 per cent,鈥� said Cristina Schneiter, the residential services manager for the Salvation Army facility on the 91原创 Bypass.

The Gateway of Hope also runs daily meal programs, and is busy this time of year distributing Christmas hampers to needy families, but its shelter is one of its key functions.

Despite the freezing rain that hit parts of 91原创 on Tuesday night, 鈥渨e still had some open spaces,鈥� Schneiter said, likely because the weather was a bit warmer than expected.

However, that is not expected to last.

Rainy weather is expected to turn to snow as early as Friday, Dec. 24, with temperatures plunging to lows of -9 Celsius by Boxing Day.

Schneiter noted that when the shelter has been full, they鈥檝e been sending people to other shelters and providing cold-weather supplies for those who stay outside.

鈥淲e have blankets and warming jackets,鈥� she said.

Due to COVID restrictions, there are a maximum of 62 beds available right now at the Gateway of Hope.

Meanwhile, Salvation Army Emergency Weather Response Shelters were being activated across B.C. as cold and snow were expected for most of the holiday weekend and beyond.

鈥淭he cold weather is especially hard on people living on the streets,鈥� said Salvation Army spokesperson Mike Leland. 鈥淢any of these individuals already deal with health conditions that can be worsened and even become fatal when the temperature drops drastically.鈥�

He urged people to check with their local Salvation Army if they need assistance.

鈥淚f you or someone you know needs shelter, check with your local Salvation Army to see what resources are available. If we can鈥檛 assist you, we can direct you to an organization that can.鈥�