OUT IN THE RAIN

Power failure Wednesday forces shelter to turn away homeless

A number of people looking for a place to sleep at the homeless shelter Wednesday evening were turned away because of a power failure.

The power went out at the Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope, just off Kingsway Avenue, before it opened for the evening, said resource director Ian Scott.

“While we were going through our procedure for power outage there were, at the time, nine people waiting outside to access the shelter,” said Scott.

The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope is regulated by the provincial government. Without power, due to safety reasons, the shelter has to close, said Scott. Attempts were made to reach the city to determine how long the power outage was likely to last.

“We left messages but didn’t get called back. It was after hours and I am assuming they were busy doing their investigation and repairs,” said Scott.

Alberta Works was called for instructions. A 1-800 number was given for those being turned away to call. Alberta Works told Scott each person would have to call individually for emergency assistance.

“People would have to phone in individually to access that service or try to make alternate arrangements with family or friends or whatever other supports they may have of their own,” said Scott.

Some of the homeless do have cell phones and the shelter is near a gas station where there is a public telephone, said Scott, noting that by 8 p.m. the power was still not restored.

The nine people who had been waiting for access were also offered blankets, clothing and snacks, said Scott.

On Thursday morning, Scott spoke to some of those affected. They were upset, he said. One couple reported Alberta Works was not able to help and they had to spend the night outside.

If people had already registered to spend the night in the shelter, the Salvation Army would have been under an obligation to provide alternative accommodation, said Scott.

If it had been the middle of winter, with very cold temperatures, the response Wednesday would also have been different, said Scott. The Salvation Army’s Resource Centre downtown would perhaps have been made available in an extreme weather situation with staff called in to assist.

“That would have been our own backup plan,” said Scott.

The News contacted Alberta Works for clarification on the protocol to be followed. There was no response by deadline.