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By Alison Sandstrom

Extreme cold

Call for winter clothing donations; emergency shelter at capacity as deep freeze continues in P.A.

Jan 25, 2021 | 5:04 PM

Amid frigid temperatures, Prince Albert Grand Council Urban Services has put out an urgent call for men’s warm winter clothing. Meanwhile the city’s winter shelter continues to be at capacity nearly every night, but staff report no increase in clients since the arrival of the extreme cold this weekend.

Winter gear collected by PAGC will be distributed at the Gate warming shelter downtown. Gate director, Linea Lanoie told paNOW the centre hands out an average of five to eight coats and five to 10 hoodies and sweaters a day.

“We have pretty much depleted our clothing donations as far as bunny hugs and men’s sweaters, long-sleeved shirts and pants,” Lanoie said. “And boots, we haven’t had very many boots this year at all, and we have none left right now.”

The Gate, which serves breakfast and lunch daily, has extended its hours because of the extreme cold and is now open from 10 a.m. to around 3:30 p.m. Lanoie noted there are fewer places in the city for people to shelter from the cold because of COVID-19 restrictions. She expected to see over 50 people at the centre over the course of the day on Monday.

“It’s important we look after our vulnerable people, ” PAGC director of Urban Services Geoff Despins said.” We need to do whatever we can to keep them warm. I know today is the call out for [urgent] help but let’s keep this going as long as we can.”

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“Their chief complaint really is their feet, they’re not warm enough” said Natalie Guimond, PAGC Urban Services Community Cares Coordinator, when speaking about the many people they take care of daily. “As well as proper footwear we’re looking for touks and mitts.”

Anyone wishing to donate items should contact Natalie at 306-930-1339

Cold weather shelter full nearly every night

Meanwhile, Tonya Kleinert, supervisor at the YWCA’s Stepping Stones Shelter said she was surprised the 20-bed facility did not see an increase in demand as the temperature dropped over the weekend.

“I think people are maybe finding other places to stay or other people are reaching out and supporting them in different ways,” she said.

Kleinert reported the shelter has been full “98 per cent” of the nights since it opened in November. Around three to four times a week staff have to turn to Prince Albert Mobile Crisis to find people places to stay when the shelter is at capacity.

On a positive note, Kleinert said four former clients of the shelter have found permanent housing through the the YWCA’s Homeward Bound program. A direct connection with the housing-first program was one of the advantages of the shelter highlighted by staff when paNOW visited on opening day in November.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstom