Winnipeg homeless shelters are enacting emergency protocols to keep people on the streets safe.
Winnipeg can be a dangerous city to live in particular for the homeless on cold nights. Winnipeg has been in a state of extreme cold warning on and off for the past few weeks.
Major Rob Kerr form the Salvation army and Luke Thiessen form Siloam mission to explain how their organizations are helping in the cold.
Both Siloam and the Salvation Army are a part of a network database of shelters where people can find a bed or cot for the night.
Kerr says the shelter has never been full and will always work to make room for anyone that needs it.
On average in winter the Salvation Army will have 10-15 extra people staying the night. On extremely cold nights up to 27 extra people stay overnight on cots or mats.
The Salvation Army makes room throughout their buildings and will never "turn someone away and leave them out in the cold, they just won't do that"
Siloam keeps its door open during their usual cleaning hours in the afternoon to make sure everyone has a warm place to go during the day as well.
"We have been partnering with some of our other shelters and agencies for a long time," says Thiessen, explaining Siloams relationship with the network of shelters in Winnipeg.
Both shelters are looking for donations of more winter outerwear including, hats, mitts, scarves and coats. Siloam, in particular, is also looking for donations for men and women's underwear.
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