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Housing the Homeless During This Arctic Cold – The Services That Are Available (INTERVIEW) Call for Blankets, Coats

Fraser Valley – A number of services kick into gear for the homeless during severe cold snaps in winter.

For Abbotsford and Chilliwack, those programs are now in place. As always, donations of clean and warm clothing, underwear and socks are always needed.

The big challenge for all this go round is COVID social distancing as many of the users already have immune deficient situations to deal with.

Another issue are warming centres during the day. The homeless need somewhere to go during the day and remain warm.

Cyrus Centre operates programs for youth under the age of 18 who are on the Street.

Also in Chilliwack – RAN or Ruth and Naomi’s Mission and their satellite shelter called The Portal usually have beds and space available. Bill Raddatz from RAN/Portal told FVN that they are in a tough position: Portal is full and have 48 residents on hand for next 90 days.   Pathways is restricted to 12 due to COVID-19 and social distancing rules.  However in the case of extreme weather we suspend the rules and will permit up to 26 in the Portal facility for a total of 74.

The Salvation Army in both locales will have extra beds. Chilliwack’s Scott Armstrong says they will have 11 extra beds.

In Abbotsford, The City relies on Archway and the likes of Jesse Wegenast, with the Homeless Prevention Program and Abbotsford Community Services. The main supportive housing for an extreme weather shelter will be at Gateway Community Church. At the extreme shelter, an additional 30 beds can be opened up. Fast Food vouchers are handed out so clientele have somewhere to go during the frigid day as well as grabbing something to eat and stay warm.

In Mission:

Salvation Army and Ann Davis are asking for donations of blankets, coats and gloves.

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