Mission and Abbotsford extreme weather shelters are opening their doors with predictions that the first blast of winter will arrive this weekend.

Mission's extreme weather program was launched Thursday night following a forecast of snow flurries and an overnight low of 0 C.

Laura Hoelzley-Barrow, of Mission Community Services Society, said the shelter at Haven in the Hollow at 32646 Logan Ave. will likely be open for the next four days.

Environment Canada is forecasting a 60 per cent chance of snow by this evening and a high of 0 C on Saturday in the Abbotsford area.

Temperatures will continue to drop over the weekend and into next week when a low of -7 C and a high of -3 is expected on Monday, with more snow forecast on Wednesday.

The district's extreme weather program is launched when temperatures hit 0 C or below, said Hoelzley-Barrow.

Haven in the Hollow has temporary beds for up to 20 men and women, and should more room be necessary, MCSS's community partners will open their doors to provide additional space.

Abbotsford's Extreme Weather Response Plan is also expected to open up shelter beds tomorrow and keep them open for at least four days, said co-ordinator Dave Murray.

Both the Abbotsford and Mission programs are funded by BC Housing and draw on a network of churches and service agencies that open their doors to homeless people when temperatures drop.

"We couldn't do it without our community partners. We're totally reliant on their support," said Murray.

Outreach workers from the Salvation Army and the Cyrus Centre for youth get the word out that the shelters are open.

The Sally Ann at 34081 Gladys Avenue and the Emmanuel Mennonite Church at 3471 Clearbrook Rd. can temporarily house 60 adults while Cyrus Centre has beds for 10 youth, said Murray, adding it was critical to get people inside when temperatures drop.

"Last year we had a fellow die on our streets, so its really important we get men and women in out of the cold.

"As long as anybody's out there, we think it's important to get them to come in."

Some people don't like to come into shelters because they can't deal with crowds.

But shelters like the Salvation Army have set up areas for people to store their goods overnight in an effort to draw them inside.

"We probably have some of the best shelters in the province . . . everybody is improving their shelters to make them more comfortable," said Murray.

RBaker@abbotsfordtimes.com