Edmonton social agencies busy helping vulnerable population during cold snap
Hundreds of vulnerable Edmontonians are struggling in the cold this week.
“We’re hearing about frostbite already, we’re hearing about potential amputations happening," Chris Schieman, communications specialist with the Bissell Centre, told CTV News Edmonton on Tuesday, adding workers at the downtown social agency have been seeing people without socks or shoes.
"The snow caught us a little off guard.”
The Bissell Centre has been busier than usual as of late. More than 7,300 people used its facility last year, a trend that's continuing into 2024.
“We’re seeing a lot of people coming by looking for warm winter wear," Schieman said.
"They’re looking for boots, socks, hats, toques, mitts, just anything to help them keep warm.”
Maria Kruszewski of the Inner City Pastoral Ministry, who sets up across 96 Street from the Bissell Centre to offer help to people on the street, said Tuesday she's been seeing fewer and fewer people over the last few days because it's been so cold.
“There’s not as many as there has been, but there’s still an awful lot," she said.
"We need housing for these people.”
Boyle Street Community Services has increased capacity at eight different warming hubs across the city. Those include spaces at its busiest location on Stony Plain Road and at downtown's All Saints Anglican Cathedral.
Hani Quan, the City of Edmonton's director of affordable housing and homelessness, says some locations may be busy but that there's still space for those who need it.
“We have more shelter spaces right now in Edmonton than we’ve had ever, I think," Quan said.
"There are increased numbers of spaces available for people to go.”
For facilities such as the Bissell Centre, the demand doesn't look like it's going to let up soon.
“We had that warm but in there, we were thinking spring was here and now this hit us," Schieman said.
"We’re just hoping we can respond as best as we can for the community.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE @ 11:15 A.M. MT Extent of Jasper wildfire damage still unknown; Alberta Wildfire hosting update
Officials are waiting to learn Thursday morning the extent of wildfire damage in the Jasper townsite of Jasper National Park, which flames began to eat away at the night before.
WATCH LIVE Jasper wildfire burns buildings, while poor air quality forces some fire crews out
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on social media that Ottawa has approved Alberta's request for federal assistance after a fast-moving wildfire hit Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
Canadian women's soccer team staffer given suspended prison sentence over drone incident, prosecutor says
A Canada women's soccer team staffer has been given an eight-month suspended prison sentence after flying a drone to film the closed-door training session of the New Zealand team on Monday, the prosecutor's office said in a statement.
WATCH LIVE 'Sick to my stomach': People grieve Jasper National Park by sharing favourite photos
As an out-of-control wildfire roared through Alberta’s famed Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday, many are fearing the worst as officials warned of 'significant loss' within the area.
Prince William made $42 million from his newly inherited estate last year, reports show
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Sale of envoy's NYC condo 'expected to exceed' $9M: government
The current official residence for Canada's representative in New York City is 'being readied for sale,' according to a spokesperson from Global Affairs Canada.
'It's certainly a central piece:' Prince Harry blames tabloids for family breakdown
Prince Harry, speaking in clips published on Wednesday from a new documentary, said his legal battles with Britain's tabloid press have contributed to the breakdown of his relationship with the Royal Family.
'I'm so broke': Two Toronto women speak out after losing $76,000 in romance scam
Two women from the Toronto area are speaking out after losing thousands of dollars to a romance scam, including a single mother who lost $62,000.