Frigid February a danger to folks on the street
Police responded to three citizens this weekend who were sleeping rough in the extreme cold temperatures that have engulfed Medicine Hat.
Insp. Brent Secondiak says two men were sleeping in vestibules of buildings downtown and a young woman was sleeping in her vehicle. They were all taken to the overnight shelter.
“They were aware of the shelter in all of those cases but just didn’t want to stay there,” said Secondiak. “With these extreme temperatures it can be a life safety issue if you’re outside.”
In addition to police officers keeping an eye open for people sleeping outside, the public also notifies police with concerns, said Secondiak.
The number of people at the Centre of Hope Salvation Army shelter has been about seven or nine each night since the beginning of the month, and on Saturday night there were 11, said Jamie Rogers, manager homeless and housing development department at Medicine Hat Community Housing Society.
MHCHS established a day shelter downtown a few months ago.
“With the arrival of the cold snap, we are grateful that services are in place to serve those in need. We are especially fortunate that the emergency COVID-19 daytime shelter is available and open to people while other services are shut down due to health and provincial government restrictions,” said Rogers.
Since the initial lockdown on March 16, 2020, services at the Champion’s Centre, operated by The Mustard Seed, have been modified to allow for social distancing. Although meeting in the centre while enjoying a hot breakfast is not possible, hot breakfasts continue and are served from a trailer in the lane at the back of the centre on N. Railway Street.
They also distribute jackets, boots, gloves, socks and hand warmers to those in need, said Colette Eirich, managing director of The Mustard Seed in Medicine Hat
“Any guests we notice are sleeping rough are being connected with shelter and housing supports,” said Eirich. “Our Christmas clothing donation campaign came at a perfect time as we are so appreciative of all the clothing donations that we have received.”
On Monday morning a team of three women were preparing hot breakfasts in the kitchen of the Champion Centre. Murray Kumm is responsible for giving the meals to people who take the food away in take-out containers. He say many tell him they miss the social aspects of sitting with others in the Champion Centre to eat.
“Socialization with others is really needed,” said Kumm.
On Monday morning by 11 a.m. about 55 individuals had already been to pick up a hot breakfast. Kumm says before the really cold temperatures they saw 85 or 90 people each morning. He suggests some find the walk there simply too cold when gets like this.
Eirch says they have need for clean and gently used or new winter boots. Size nine or bigger is best for both men and women and gloves in medium, large and extra large. Toques, scarves and ski pants are also needed plus long underwear which should be new and not used.
These items can be dropped off at the back of the Champion Centre between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day. You can also reach out to Colette Erich by telephone 403-866-7542