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When the extreme cold hits, a place in North Central will provide warm drinks, warm clothes and most importantly, a roof for people caught without a home.
All Nations Hope Network and YWCA Regina have partnered to open a warming station on 5th Avenue near Elphinstone Street.
“People are at risk out in the cold. We need to answer the call and provide for them,” said Margaret Kîsikâw Piyêsîs, Finance and Research Director for All Nations Hope Network in a news release.
The shelter opened on Boxing Day, operating from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m., staffed by All Nations Hope Network. YWCA provides diversion services to those who can use them.
On Jan. 4, the station will be open 24 hours a day.
The joint news release says because of COVID-19, the city was forced to close or cut capacity at its shelters and outreach centres. That put vulnerable people at risk.
“It’s our vision to provide a place where those battling homelessness or in unsafe housing situations have a place to get out of the cold, get something warm to drink, and stay safe,” said Melissa Coomber-Bendtsen, CEO of YWCA Regina.
“This year, options are limited, so we are creating new ones.”
The shelter received funding from the city and the Regina Reaching Homes Community Advisory Board but the two organizations are still seeking additional funds to keep the facility open.
