Demand increases at Winnipeg shelter as cold temperatures settle in

Demand is increasing for one Winnipeg shelter as extreme winter cold sets in.

Siloam Mission says more people are looking for winter clothing and a place to simply warm up.

Ensuring everyone has a place to stay, says Communications Manager Luke Thiessen, includes having the drop-in centre open 24/7 and working in conjunction with other shelters.

“Sharing a database with real-time information on who has space at any given time” is key, said Theissen. “Part of that is making sure we are sharing the same messaging to our clients and the public.”

On top of the bitterly cold temperatures, Siloam has also had to deal with a COVID outbreak — as cases in the province continue to spike.

“We already upped our PPE and face-shields for those in front line services. COVID has made things more difficult. We are working to get ahead of it.”

The MIssion is always looking for donations to ensure operations run as smoothly as possible, Theissen said.

For more on the Mission’s needs see their website.

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