Temperatures are expected to drop this week, meaning homeless shelters like Siloam Mission will be scrambling to accommodate more people.

Siloam Mission says they have 110 beds right now and on most nights they have a wait list of around 15 people. However, according to CEO Jim Bell, that wait list jumps to upwards of 40 people when the temperature drops.

“The truth of the matter is we have to start turning people away at that point,” Bell said. “We don’t like doing that but fortunately we keep contact with other agencies like Salvation Army and Main Street Project to make sure not one person has to spend a night on the street.”

“It can get frighteningly cold as we get into the winter months, which makes things more challenging.”

Bell says they’re excited to get started on their capital project in the New Year. The project will include an increase in the number of beds for patrons and a new larger dining hall, which was already opened earlier this year.

Siloam Mission Communications Manager Luke Theissen says they’re always accepting cash donations and are doing pretty well as far as donations of food at this time. 

Right now they are looking for some specific items that people don’t often think about.

“Right now our urgent needs include long underwear and cold weather health items like cold medicine in package and lip balm,” Theissen said. “Winter gloves and other winter gear are another one we go through quite quickly and as the temperature drops those will be very important.”

Environment Canada is predicting the temperature could drop to between -25 C and -30 C throughout the evenings leading up to and likely beyond New Year’s Eve.

Donations of material items can be dropped off Siloam Mission’s main building at 300 Princess Street. Money can also be donated in person or online.

Siloam Mission will be hosting their annual Christmas Meal on Saturday, Dec. 24 at noon.