By Geoff Smith (@smithco on Twitter)

Homeless keeping warm during cold snap

Dec 8, 2016 | 10:54 AM

LETHBRIDGE – The cold spell has brought some extra people through the doors of the city’s homeless shelter — at least earlier in the week.

Shelter coordinator Collette Ryostock said there was one night that saw an additional 20 clients, but the numbers have settled back down to normal since then.

“So I don’t know what that really shows, but we have had a little bit more of an influx of clients,” Ryostock said. The shelter is averaging approximately 80 people per night, well short of the capacity of 111. She also explained the shelter is open 24 hours a day, so there’s no need to turn people out.

One thing she’s noticed is clients asking for warm winter wear.

“We’re still at the point where we’re struggling a little bit with footwear. We have a limited amout of shoes or boots. We’re doing pretty good with the coats, hats, scarves, and gloves,” Ryostock added.

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“We’re just putting on movies… trying to keep them inside, popping some popcorn, trying to keep them busy here with board games and things so they’re not out there in the weather.”

Ryostock said the Diversion Outreach Team is working to find people who might be on the street and direct them to the shelter so they’re not exposed to the hazardous elements. Shelter staff are also checking the immediate area to ensure no one is missed.

Temperatures on Thursday reached -30 with a -40 windchill, prompting an extreme cold warning from Environment Canada that was lifted later in the morning.