A warming centre has opened in the Parksville Community Centre, amid snow and freezing temperatures.
People needing a place to get warm can go to the Red Cedars Room from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for coffee, juice and snacks. The service is being provided by OHEART, and has been open since Mon, Jan 13.
It will continue until Friday, from noon to 4 p.m. onward.
READ MORE: How Parksville’s St. Anne’s became a place homeless people would actually go
It’s an essential service for people experiencing homelessness in the area since shelters close their doors in the early morning. That leaves people outside for many hours of the day.
The Salvation Army Soup kitchen will also be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., but their food bank will be closed on Jan. 15. Their administration office will be open with limited staff and reduced hours, as will their thrift stores and furniture warehouses.