The Lethbridge Shelter and Resource Centre (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Week of extreme cold not as busy as originally thought for Lethbridge Shelter

Jan 20, 2020 | 10:30 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – One might think that last week was an extra busy time for the Lethbridge Shelter and Resource Centre, but that wasn’t really the case.

Manager Collette Ryostock told Lethbridge News Now that despite an extreme cold warning in effect last week for all of Alberta, they did not see a major boost in numbers.

However, there were still some challenges faced by staff at the facility.

“It was a challenge just making sure that everybody was dressed appropriately for the weather before they left the shelter, so we definitely faced some challenges, but we did manage to get through the week,” Ryostock said.

She said winter is usually a fairly busy time for the shelter and making sure everyone is properly dressed for the cold weather is a top priority for staff.

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“Frostbite can set in so quickly. Last week, staff were very observant in making sure all the clients, before they left, were dressed properly because that’s always a big challenge for us,” Ryostock added.

Ryostock said due to extreme cold conditions a couple of years ago, they had to open up a secondary shelter to accommodate all of their clients. Fortunately, that wasn’t needed last week.

She added that the community support during the cold conditions was a major help.

“I want to thank the community because I know I had mentioned that we were looking for winter items and the community met our needs. It was very appreciated, and I know definitely on behalf of the clients, they appreciated it so the gestures on behalf of the community, it was awesome,” she said.

The Lethbridge Shelter is open around-the-clock 24/7 and Ryostock said staff are ready to welcome anybody any time of the day or night if they’re in need of a warm place to stay.