The early winter cold snap sweeping through B.C.'s south coast is creating much more desperate situations for the homeless.
Metro Vancouver shelters have opened 600 extra beds for the next few days until temperatures warm. Some homeless have their own emergency programs, like crack addict Sharon Carrier.
"I just stop using this time of year and try to get into a recovery house," Carrier said. "If you're smart, that's what you're going to do."
But it's not just about being smart. It's also about luck.
Ontario resident Jesse Matsini wandered the streets all night because shelters were full. He says one shelter turned him down even though there was still room.
"It should be about caring," he said. "You missed the curfew -- give it to somebody who needs it."
Lookout Emergency Aid says if a bed is assigned, they don't want to just give it away. But it certainly isn't easy turning people down.
"It's extremely hard, especially when they come to door and you say 'I just can't serve you'" said Chris Davidson.
Seventy five per cent of the region's shelter beds are in Vancouver. New mayor Gregor Robertson says he has a plan.
"Our hope is get hundreds more spaces available in next couple of weeks," said Robertson. "But tonight is gonna be a cold night. It would be good to see it today."
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Renu Bakshi
