Temperatures dipping down below -40 °C, the Rotary House has seen an influx of people seeking shelter, warmth and support (photo by Shaun Penner)

By Shaun Penner

Out in the Cold

Rotary House kept busy as extreme cold lingers

Jan 13, 2020 | 1:13 PM

The current cold snap the Grande Prairie area is under makes for unsafe conditions for people to be exposed to for a prolonged period of time.

That rings especially true for those who may experiencing homelessness.

With wind chill values bringing temperatures well below minus 40 recently, staff at places like the Rotary House are working even more to make sure no one is left on the streets in the bitter elements.

Executive Director at the Rotary House, Kathy Lambert, says they do see an influx of people needing to utilize their services in extreme weather events such as this, who are in need of a warm place to sleep at night.

The house can accommodate 140 clients per night in a variety of ways, but that capacity is still not enough on nights like the last few.

Lambert adds that an overflow program has been created by the City until the end of March at the Oasis Centre to help them alleviate the pressure.

“Should we become full, we do refer people and provide them with rides to Oasis, which is the overflow mat program for the shelter,” said Lambert. “I think it (the overflow program) will get us through this cold spell, for sure.”

Environment and Climate Change Canada says in temperatures this low, frostbite can occur within minutes, adding that other signs and symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes can happen very quickly.

In cases where citizens do see someone out in the elements that they suspect may not have a place to go, Lambert says you can call the Rotary House anytime at 780-539-6777.

“And we will definitely assist people to get here and use services,” said Lambert. “If not, I would recommend people call 911, just so that there is nobody at risk of being out in the cold. We will assist them in providing a place to go.”

A number of daytime services are also in place for those who need a place to go to stay warm. Those include:

• Saint Lawrence Centre: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week (Rotary House, 10101 97A St.)
• Community Kitchen: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday (Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, 10507 98 Ave.)
• Warming Centre: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week (Rotary House)

Lambert says that the cold weather also brings the need for more winter donations, like jackets, toques and scarves.

“If people are wanting to do something, we are in need of gloves and hand warmers. (That’s) a huge need right now. We are running very low.”

Donations of bedding and towels are also big needs for the shelter at this time.