The City of Lloydminster is welcoming $50,000 of combined provincial funding for its mobile warming shelter.
Read more: Warming van a success in Lloydminster
The Government’s of Alberta and Saskatchewan each pitched in one-time grants of $25,000 to support the city’s efforts in keeping residents experiencing homelessness warm.
“These grants reflect the positive conversations we’ve had with both provinces about the needs in our community,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “We appreciate the support of the Governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan as we work together to ensure our mobile warming shelter remains a safe and accessible resource for those who rely on it.
“We’ll continue working closely with all levels of government and community partners to ensure residents have access to essential supports.”
Alberta minister of assisted living and social services Jason Nixon says the Alberta government is happy to support the mobile warming shelter and the city’s most vulnerable.
“We appreciate the City’s leadership and our continued partnership with Saskatchewan in meeting local needs,” he said.
The mobile warming shelter activated 28 times last winter and offered support to an average of 27 residents each time. The shelter rolls out whenever temperatures dip to -30 C with the windchill and run from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
The city says it will continue working with the Lloydminster and Vermilion for Equity Foundation to provide essential supports for those who need a safe place during extreme weather.
Read more: Lloydminster commits to mobile shelter
I believe the temp should be changed to -25°C. If most people are unable to handle being outside in -25°C, for any extended period of time, without having some body part froze to the bone, and ready to fall off, I don’t see how come we have to wait until the temp is -30°C.
In -25°C temp/windchill, anyone can get frostbite, hypothermia, even die. Yet, we are made to wait, past that point, to go out with the van.
I work on the Warming Van. It only holds 12 or so, people, plus, their pet(s) (mainly dogs). Many times, that’s not nearly enough room, for the people we need to pick up, throughout the night. We NEED a BIGGER unit. One that can accommodate more than 12 people at a time.
We pick up a head count of, anywhere, between 18-50+ a night. People of all ages.
We have designated stops, plus pick up anyone we see out walking around in the cold, offer them a ride, let them warm up, offering them a sandwhich/snack/bottled water (all donated by amazing people), until we run out, that is. We, also, offer other donated items like: blankets, socks, gloves, toques, scarves, boots, jackets, handwarmers, sweaters, pants, etc. What we are able to offer, varries every night, depending on the items we have on hand, at the beginning of our first shift. Anything, and everything, is much appreciated by all those whom receive them.
Although, I do have an issue with the hours of operation. I don’t mind working the night shift. Which is usually split into 2 – 5 hour shifts. The issue is, people are cold during the day, too. Outside, getting frostbite, hypertgermia, etc.
It’s a good program, it just needs more attention. ESP since the city doesn’t have anything else in place to actually help the unhoused, by helping to get off the streets, helping get them on their feet, etc. But, that’s a whole ‘nother topic, many of us could rant about.
Have a wonderful day, thank you for covering this story.
I forgot to mention, the warming van we are using, isn’t even very warm.
-The windows are all frosted up,
-the heater barely works,
-everyone is STILL cold, while sitting on the bus.
-My toes are frozen,
-still need to wear gloves,
while sitting on the bus.
-we had no food or water to hand out (because it’s provided through donations).