Former MLA makes $150,000 donation to keep Boyle Street warming bus rolling
Erin Halfe knows just how cold Edmonton can get.
The 36-year-old has spent more than two decades living on and off the street. Sometimes she’s able to find lodging at one of the city’s shelters such as the George Spady Centre or Hope Mission. She said when it gets that cold out, the only thing to do is to keep walking.
“Whether it is -40 C or when it is 40 C, you just keep walking,” she said. “You let your survival (instincts) take over and that’s it.”
When she’s unable to find a place to lay down, one alternative for her to stay warm is to climb aboard the Boyle Street Community Services warming bus.
“I love using the bus,” she said. “It is probably one of the most incredible times of my life. It is always positive, it is never in a negative. There needs to be a lot more money dumped into this.”
The non-profit organization has offered the warming bus service for years, but has struggled to find sustainable funding.
On Wednesday, the service received a helping hand from city physician and former Edmonton-whitemud MLA Dr. Bob Turner, who committed to donate $150,000 over three years.
“This winter warming bus project is really close to my heart,” said Turner, an oncologist who served one term as an MLA under the NDP banner from 2015-19.
“The idea that people are living rough and don’t have access to good housing and good health supports really concerns me.”
According to the organization, the bus had 7,294 visits last winter and on average had 40 visits per day. Half of those who used the bus were living on the streets. In addition to being a warm place to go to, the bus also provides food, winter gear, transportation to shelters and connection to housing services.
Martin Daniels, who lives at Dwayne’s Home, said he spent 10 years on the street and remembers being in the cold while waiting to find shelter. The 51-year-old said he’s very appreciative of the warming bus even though he doesn’t use it himself.
“I’m happy we have individuals in this city who are willing to help the community,” Daniels said. “I’m more than happy for the simple fact it helps the individuals who basically don’t have a place to stay.”
Julian Daly, executive director of Boyle Street, said Turner’s donation will go toward covering the costs to run the bus, which is around $200,000 per season.
“This bus provides a vital transit service, the only service of its kind for the people who we serve,” he said. “This (donation) is a fantastic start and I’m hopeful it will motivate others to make donations as well.”
Daly said funding for the bus has primarily been provided through private donations, though he added the bus has received government funding, including support from the city, in the past.
Another association in town, Bissell Centre, announced Wednesday they reached their goal of collecting 10,000 pairs of bras and underwear for people in need.