Local donation centers in Regina are asking for winter clothing to be brought in earlier this year.
Wednesday’s winter weather may only be an inconvenience for some, but for the less fortunate it can be a real hardship, according to homeless centres around the city.
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Souls Harbour Rescue Mission said it does not currently have enough winter wear to go around and are worried for their patrons.
The mission’s clothing donation centre located on Halifax Street currently has one waterproof winter jacket for girls aged five through 12.
The infant section was also bare with only two winterized onesie’s available on Thursday.
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Patty Humphreys is the marketing director at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission and said they are in need of many more items.
“We’ll see more of that coming into November and December usually but we would like to see people donating sooner than later,” Humphreys said.
Tyler Grey with the Carmichael Outreach said their staff was prepared for the cold. Staff have noticed that visitors will stay at the outreach longer and often have an extra cup of coffee while enjoying the warmth and taking part in activities.
Faron, a homeless man who was having a cup of soup and coffee at Carmichael Thursday afternoon, was showing off his fleece jacket. However, Faron said he does not have a waterproof coat for the rain.
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During the winter months, Faron said he often stays at the RQHR Addiction Treatment Centre on Victoria Ave or with a friend.
Grey said shelters are often at capacity throughout the year, and with winter weather making such a sudden appearance, it’s really hard on those who do not have a home to go to.
“We’ve had numerous stories since I’ve been here of people sleeping in parkades, dumpsters, outside hot air vents.”
Allisha Ferraro spent last night sleeping in a friend’s car, without a winter jacket, or proper footwear. She spent yesterday’s snowfall in over-sized and wet men’s dress shoes given to her by a friend.
Ferraro was thankful to receive both a new jacket and boots from Carmichael this morning.
“And they’re really warm so I don’t think I’m going to be doing much suffering today,” Ferraro said.
Donations can be dropped off at any local shelters or donation centers, including Souls Harbor Rescue Mission, Carmichael Outreach or Salvation Army.
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