Cold brings concerns for city’s homeless

As the temperature drops, concerns begin to build for Prince Albert’s homeless and at-risk community, who must occasionally rely on emergency services to get out of the cold.

The city’s only dedicated cold-weather shelter, the YWCA-managed Our House on 15th St., has seen nearly 200 clients this month, according to manager Edna Bruce. Our House opens 10 cots in their basement as a cold-weather shelter between October and April, Bruce said, but there’s not always enough room for everyone.

“We had one night where they turned away nine people and actually slept 12 here, because they put them on a couple of couches,” Bruce told paNOW. “For the month of November so far, as of yesterday, we had [sheltered] 194 people.”

When clients have to be turned away, Bruce said there are not a lot of options open to them. Mobile Crisis can be called, she said, but outside of their operating hours the homeless may be forced to rely on the city police or other emergency services to find them somewhere warm to stay.

Some of the city’s homeless build their own shelters during the colder months, Bruce said, occasionally working together to develop creative solutions to stay warm.

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“I have heard of people building little shelters or little tent cities,” she said. “I had one guy that had totally designed his own shelter for winter; he was finding old mattresses and pallets.”

Despite the shelter at Our House often operating at or above its normal capacity, Bruce said she believes the city is making progress with its homelessness issue. Programs like Homeward Bound, another YWCA initiative which offers low- or no-cost housing to homeless or at-risk individuals, have been invaluable in getting people off the street and into permanent residences, she said, though they often have a lengthy waiting list as well.

“They have been absolutely a godsend for the city,” she said. “I really believe that.”

The cold-weather shelter at Our House offers more than just a place to sleep, Bruce said. Clients can access a shower and laundry, she said, as well as a hot breakfast and cold-weather clothing if needed. The shelter is always looking for more cold-weather clothing which they can give to clients, Bruce added, and donations are welcomed.

Dr. Chad Nilson, a researcher who led several homeless counts in Prince Albert and studied the issue extensively, said accessing a shelter bed can be difficult. Many homeless individuals suffer from severe mental health issues or addictions, he said, which can bar them from accessing shelters or other services. Shelters also enforce strict rules and schedules, Nilson added, which many homeless people struggle with.

Nilson said Prince Albert’s 2016 homeless count identified 21 “absolute homeless” individuals who were living on the street and 79 “sheltered homeless” who had access to a shelter bed. The count was not able to include the “hidden homeless,” Nilson said, who may be staying on couches or with friends but do not have a long-term residence.

In addition to the danger of exposure and cold-related injuries, Nilson said the homeless population experiences increased isolation during the winter months, when days are shorter and fewer people are out and about. This can place homeless people at greater risk of violence or victimization, he said, and can even worsen mental health issues.

Parkland Ambulance Spokesperson Lyle Karasiuk said paramedics have already encountered cases of frostbite, hypothermia and other cold-related injuries this year. While a vehicular breakdown or unforeseen circumstances can put anyone at risk of exposure, Karasiuk said a good portion of their patients are either homeless or at-risk.

“We do see a number of them,” Karasiuk said. “We have the mechanisms to get them some shelter on a short-term basis so they don’t become severely hypothermic.”

The hospital and even the city police can lodge people overnight in emergencies, Karasiuk said, though the accommodations may not be ideal. Parkland also has access to short-term beds for patients in medical distress, he said, which can be used in extreme circumstances.

Karasiuk said the public can help make sure nobody is left out in the cold this winter by notifying emergency services of anyone who appears to be in danger. Someone sitting at a bus stop late at night or sleeping in a doorway may be in danger of a cold-related injury, he said. Karasiuk said it’s alright to call emergency services based on a suspicion, as approaching the person directly may not always be a safe prospect.

“Please alert emergency services through 9-1-1,” he said. “Let us get some help for them.”

Taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TMacPhersonNews