“People are going to die:” need for warming shelter rises

As winter sets in, the absence of a warming centre in Lloydminster has left many vulnerable people in dire circumstances. 

“We try our best to survive,” Melinda said, reflecting on the harsh cold, “but we’re not all bad people.”

The situation is becoming increasingly desperate for people like Melinda. 

Melinda has been without a home in Lloyd for almost two years, relying on temporary shelters and the help of others to survive. A job loss led to her
current situation. 

“I bike around, checking on people, and sleep where I can, there are nights where I don’t sleep because I can’t find a place to do so,” she shares. “It’s getting harder and harder, we can’t survive the winter without a shelter.” 

For those who are older or disabled, like many in her situation, a warming shelter could make the difference between life and death. 

Last winter, a warming shelter run by the men’s shelter offered temporary refuge for those without homes. But this year, the facility never opened. 

“I don’t know why they’re not doing it again this year,” said Melinda. “It’s essential now. Otherwise, we won’t survive the winter.”

Tyler Lorenz, founder and executive director of Residents in Recovery, has repeatedly called for action and stressed the city is responsible for the warming centre. 

“People are going to die if we don’t have one. That’s just historical fact,” he said. 

The city has been communicating with various groups about implementing a warming centre. However, nothing has been set up yet, and some nights, the temperature has dipped near -30°C.

“Understanding how the Alberta and Saskatchewan governments are supporting the facilitation of warming shelters in urban areas, the City of Lloydminster is engaging in further conversation with local organizations to determine community needs and identify workable solutions,” stated Andrew DeGruchy, the city’s senior manager of public safety.

“We will also continue to advocate among other levels of government for enhanced funding and participation on this important issue impacting municipalities across Canada.” 

Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Social Services supports people experiencing homelessness in various ways, including connecting them with income support, housing, and emergency shelters. When it comes to warming facilities, they stress that they do work with communities.   

“The ministry also provides funding, based on need, to municipalities to support cold weather strategies and initiatives that provide for safe, warm places to stay for those in need during the cold winter months,” said ministry spokesperson Leya Moore.

“Municipalities work with community-based organizations to best meet those needs in their community, including establishing warming
centres.”

The city shared the below list of community groups they have spoken with:

• Lloydminster and Vermilion for Equality

• The Hope Street Team

• Residents in Recovery

• The Olive Tree

• Lloydminster Interval Home

• The Lloydminster Social Action Coalition Society

Melinda doesn’t care who’s responsible; they just need something. She estimates roughly 40 to 50 people are currently struggling to stay warm in the streets. 

“Some of us can’t survive the cold and there’s no place for us to go, no place for us to get food regularity,” she stressed. “It’s hard to go a day without food, and some of us go days without it.”

In addition to the freezing temperatures, the unhoused community face constant disruptions. Melinda recalls how a recent fire at an encampment on 67 St. destroyed everything. 

“I went back to check, and it was all burnt down,” she says.

She, along with others, had been told they could move their belongings to a new location near the cemetery, but the move was short-lived.

“The city took all our stuff,” said Melinda. “Every time we move, we lose everything.”

While local organizations are doing what they can to help, Melinda says more needs to be done. 

“They (the men’s shelter) could start giving us meals again,” she suggests. “The dinners at the church are helpful, but we need more.”

Melinda also speaks out against the stigma surrounding unhoused individuals. 

“Not every person who’s unhoused is addicted or a criminal,” she insists. “Some of us are just trying to survive.” 

She acknowledges some contribute to the problem but stresses they should not define the entire community.

As the weather grows colder, Lorenz says there’s a very real human risk of not having a warming centre.

“People are going to die if we don’t have one,” Lorenz emphasized. 

As winter deepens, many in Lloydminster’s unhoused community will continue to face life-threatening conditions with no end in sight.

Read more: Shelter proposal denied, appeal pending