Many of the Lower Mainland's homeless shelters are full, and it's not even winter.
On Monday, 237 homeless people spent the night at Vancouver's First United Church. That's very close to the average of 240 the shelter sees in the coldest winter months.
"That's a little alarming, that while the weather is still quite pleasant and bearable, that were seeing those numbers," said Rev. Ric Matthews.
"We may face some real challenges this coming winter."
Most of the city's shelters, particularly those in the Downtown Eastside, are full with more people being turned away than usual.
"There are definitely more and more homeless," said Judy Graves, coordinator of the city's tenant-assistance program.
Graves spent the day Tuesday talking to homeless people in Stanley Park who would love to get into a shelter -- if there was room.
"We have a lot of people living outdoors now for eight, 10 or 12 years," she said. "They're sick, they're exhausted, and they're desperate for housing."
The increase in demand could simply be that more homeless people are comfortable with user-friendly shelters that now allow them to bring in belongings and pets and be together with partners or friends.
Another big reason for the spike in shelter demand could be the recession.
But Randy Zimmer, who is homeless, thinks there's another reason. He said he's noticed street dwellers being moved along by police.
He suspects a pre-Olympic cleanup.
"I can tell you first-hand that the police are coming down on a lot of homeless people, trying to make the appearance of it being a nicer place then it actually is," he said.
Whatever the reason, homeless advocates are bracing for a busy winter. They are predicting more people than ever looking for a warm spot to spend the cold nights ahead.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Peter Grainger.
