Murray Wood: Who's hot and who's not
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look at the week's news and decides who's hot and who's not. Today's list includes tho...
As the temperature continues to drop across Saskatchewan heading into the weekend, the Salvation Army’s asking people to keep homeless shelters in mind.
“The cold is very concerning for people who don’t have permanent housing. There’s always the fear of freezing, getting cold limbs — those types of things,” said Wayne McDonough, executive director of the Salvation Army’s Waterston Centre.
Despite the frigid weather, McDonough said the Waterston Centre was at half capacity Friday afternoon, which he added was “not really normal” for this time of year.
“Right now, I think some folks are finding other places to stay, but as the (cold) weather continues, our occupancy will probably increase as well,” McDonough said, noting the shelter has the sleeping space for 37 people — 26 individual beds and 11 overflow mats.
“Our only concern is that people are finding a safe place to stay, whether it’s with us or whether it’s with another agency, friends — whatever. We just don’t want people outside freezing.”
On top of seeking shelter throughout the cold snap, McDonough said many homeless people are looking for warm clothes and blankets.
“If people would think of what they would need if they were out in this cold, that’s the type of stuff that (shelters) would benefit from to give to people,” he said, adding toques and mitts are the most in-demand. “So, if people want to drop off items like that to us — or other agencies in the community — it’ll benefit everyone.”
The Salvation Army’s Waterston Centre, located at 1845 Osler St., is open 24/7 for donations.
Anyone who sees someone outside and is concerned about their safety is encouraged to call Mobile Crisis Services at 306-757-0127 or Regina police.
