Winnipeg shelters working through 'bleak' cold weather together

A ministry is praying for people to not rely on the use of substances to warm themselves from the bitter cold, saying it has devastating consequences.

Martin Chidwick, the development manager at Union Gospel Mission on Princess Street, is worried about people's physical, mental, and spiritual health in the cold.

"Everything is exaggerated when it is this bitterly cold outside," Chidwick says. "Cold temperatures generally mean isolation, and generally mean, sadly, an increase in overdoses as well."

The cold weather means people are feeling isolated and turning to substances for comfort. He says substances like alcohol and crystal meth often warm people's body temperature on the inside, numbing them to the realities of the cold. Chidwick is hopeful they can give their guests comfort in Jesus instead.

"We bring them indoors into somewhere warm, give them a hot meal, and then share the real hot news that Jesus is alive and He cares for them and He loves them."

Chidwick is hoping Christians and churches open their doors to people in the freezing cold and keep a caring eye out for the people outside.

Salvation Army's Centre of Hope Executive Director Major Gordan Taylor is thankful their 56 emergency beds have been enough so far, and that they can use the isolation shelters for warm beds if needed.

"Some are choosing to sleep outside and it is too cold for that," Taylor says. "Pray for people to make wiser choices."

Taylor is also asking for prayers for staff at shelters. They are facing shortages because of the rising cases and pandemic fatigue. Taylor is praying that more people will want to work for Salvation Army as they need the extra hands.

Siloam Mission's communications manager Luke Thiessen says their situation during the cold streak is bleak. The shelter recently underwent a large renovation and can shelter 145 people a night. This week they are unusually filling up fast.

"Nights when we were full and Main Street Project has been full, and it has been a challenge to find places for everybody," Thiessen says. "It is certainly a bleak picture on a night like this."

The major shelters in Winnipeg share a database, working together to find beds for those in need. Thiessen says if there is no more space, there is almost always another option.

Thiessen says affordable housing is a major need in this community, especially knowing some people are choosing to sleep rough over shelters.

"We can hand someone a sleeping bag, or a blanket, some extra warm clothes or something like that, but that is bleak; especially when we are looking at such extremely cold temperatures."

He is asking people to keep an eye out for others who are struggling. Frostbite, cold symptoms and other weather-related injuries increase in frequency as temperatures drop. He says to call 911 if someone looks like they are in trouble.