Lethbridge homeless shelters, charities prepare for winter
Lethbridge’s first snow of the season may not have lasted long, but it’s a reminder winter is coming.
For the local homeless population, that’s the toughest time of year.
Streets Alive Mission’s director of operations, Cam Kissick, knows first-hand how difficult winter can be for those who don’t have a place to call home.
“They're cold. When you get wet and you have nowhere to go, it's hard to dry off. Which is why it's so important they try to stay dry as best they can,” said Kissick.
The mission has been stockpiling clothes in what it calls it’s “people in need” bank, where clients can pick up much-needed items.
But Kissick says the walls there are noticeably bare.
The increased homeless population in Lethbridge has meant an increased need.
“We do need more donations. Obviously, there's a significant population on the streets right now,” said Kissick.
Streets Alive Mission has been stockpiling clothes in what it calls it’s “people in need” bank, where clients can pick up much-needed items.
Shelters in Lethbridge have also been feeling the increased need for their services.
A recent update from city manager Lloyd Brierley showed roughly 400 people are currently experiencing homelessness and that shelter capacity is only able to accommodate about 100.
“Certainly, we do see a capacity struggle when you've got this increase in folks on the street. And also, on top of that, there being weather conditions that force people to come inside,” said Shaundra Bruvall, Alpha House Society communications manager.
Bruvall says the shelter has been running about 80 per cent capacity the past several months, and that number will increase as temperatures dip.
Despite the capacity challenges, Bruvall says the shelter won’t turn anyone away when there’s inclement weather and encourages those who need the shelter on cold days to use it.
Both Alpha House and Streets Alive are accepting winter clothing donations.
Kissick says there are particular articles of clothing which are useful right now.
“Shoes, weather-proof shoes, layerable hoodies, long-sleeved sweaters, rain gear, winter gear,” said Kissick.
Winter clothing donations can also be dropped off at city hall.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Prayers are needed': Father and children who suffered severe burns in Springfield, Ont. fire undergo surgery
A father and his two children who suffered severe burns in a Springfield, Ont. house fire have undergone surgery.
Halifax police confirm body of Walmart employee was found in walk-in oven
Police have confirmed the body of an employee who died at a Walmart in Halifax over the weekend was found in a walk-in oven.
'We all got through it': Canadian family stuck in Cuba recalls ordeal amid massive blackout
Ellen Francis says she and her family were having a great time at one of Cuba's famously stunning beaches and exploring the popular tourist town of Varadero when the situation turned into something like a scary movie.
Cooldown expected across Canada before above-seasonal temperatures return
Canada is getting served a smorgasbord of weather this week. The West saw its first sign of winter, while the eastern half of Canada experienced summer-like temperatures on Tuesday.
Man charged after attempting to force his way into the House of Commons: police
On the tenth anniversary of the shooting on Parliament Hill, a man was arrested and charged with trespassing as he attempted to push past security guards into the House of Commons.
One dead in multistate E. coli outbreak tied to McDonald's Quarter Pounders, CDC says
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a food safety alert Tuesday regarding an E. coli outbreak that it says is linked with McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.
Former Conservative leader says Trudeau 'should move on' amid efforts to oust him
Former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'should move on,' as he faces growing inner-caucus turmoil.
Kevin Vickers says 'not a day that goes by' he doesn't think about Parliament Hill shooting
On the 10-year anniversary of the deadly Parliament Hill shooting, former sergeant-at-arms Kevin Vickers says there's 'not a day that goes by' where he doesn't think about it.
'That is their prerogative': Dr. Bonnie Henry on prospect of being fired by B.C. Conservatives
With the B.C. election too close to call, Dr. Bonnie Henry was asked Tuesday how she feels about the possibility of a party that has repeatedly called for her firing forming government.