It's cold out and the shelter's not open. What's up?
The temperature's been very close to meeting our criteria to declare an extreme weather alert, but not quite. We do have the ability to stretch the criteria somewhat if we are aware of a big need on the streets, but we haven't seen this yet this winter. Richmond House, the emergency shelter open year round reports minimal turnaways, so not a big demand there. And during our 4 night activation a couple weeks ago, we saw 6 different individuals and only 3 of them stayed with us the last night we were open. The temp dipped to -4 during that activation and hasn't hit -2 since. With the latest forecast, there's a small chance we'll open as early as tomorrow (Sat) night and I'll be in contact with my counterpart at Richmond House each morning to make a decision based on the latest weather (and street) conditions. I'll publish a new volunteer and staff schedule and send around an email as soon as we decide.
Although our shelter isn't open tonight, a few of our extra mats will be put to good use. I got a call from the Downtown Eastside Women's Center on Cordova who are short of mats and brought them a few of our extra mats today. They are a 50 bed emergency shelter for women, open 365 days per year. They've been operational for several years and been opening their doors at 11 pm. This winter they are opening at 6 pm and the number of women staying with them has surged, so they need more mats.
Finally, the hall where our guests dine and sleep is going to be used for the annual St Alban Fair Trade Fair tomorrow, Sat 3 Dec, from 10 am to 2 pm. You might want to check it out. More details here: http://www.bclocalnews.com/community/134783338.html What's not mentioned is that the shelter will have an information table, with our fundraising team's gift bags on display offered to those who make a donation to the shelter.
Thanks again for being there for our shelter guests. We'll be opening soon and it could be a long season.
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