Homeless shelters face rising demand during deep freeze
As Edmonton braces for another bitterly cold weekend, the city’s homeless will be focused on survival.
“It’s just basically not freezing and not being hungry,” a member of Hope Mission’s addiction recovery program said Thursday. Formerly homeless, the man asked to remain anonymous.
He says people on the street seek out “anywhere there’s warmth” and will take risks to find it.
Edmonton shelters are responding to rising demand, especially during the daytime.
“When the cold comes, our shelter numbers go up,” said Hope Mission spokesperson Robin Padanyi.
The organization has recently seen increased daytime demand for its 24/7 shelters, said Padanyi. Normally, shelter-goers are asked to vacate during meal preparation, but the organization has adjusted to meet the need.
“We try to be as accommodating as we can, knowing that it can be really cold and dangerous if they’re out there for a prolonged time,” Padanyi said.
Padanyi also pointed to a critical shortage of winter wear, including reports of people going barefoot.
Numbers have also risen at the Boyle Street Community Services drop-in, said director of operations Ian Mathieson.
“It’s one of the few places people can go,” said Mathieson. Some 484 people visited the drop-in on Wednesday.
In severe cold, Boyle Street operates for extended hours as part of a winter emergency response program.
The non-profit organization Homeward Trust established the program in 2008 to support shelter and outreach programs during the cold months. Central LRT Station is designated an alternate shelter if temperatures dip below –20C and shelters rise above 90 per cent capacity.
While shelters are managing for now, Homeward Trust CEO Susan McGee warned that many individuals are still at risk. People have died when sheltering in sheds, cars or garages.
“They think they’re safe, but they’re not,” she said.
McGee said Edmontonians should call the Crisis Diversion Team at 211 if they see vulnerable persons in a dangerous situation.