The bitter cold in southern Alberta has been a pervasive problem for many, but for one portion of the population, the cold can be much more than just a problem.
For people experiencing poverty or homelessness, the cold can be life-threatening.
Alberta’s cold winter is something that most people are prepared for, but no matter how prepared one might be, being outside for a long time in the cold can be deadly.
Hypothermia, or prolonged exposure to the cold, can lead to frost bite, or even death. According to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, in Canada, about 8,000 deaths per year are attributed to hypothermia.
In the homeless population, the risk of getting hypothermia can be much greater. Without shelter, a person can die from hypothermia within hours.
Streets Alive Mission in Lethbridge is doing its part to help people in need.
Marie McLennan, associate director of philanthropy says they’re always willing to help anyone who needs it.
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“We go through anywhere between 60 and 100 people a day here, helping them in different ways. We’re always in demand for warm winter wear, for hoodies, jackets, that kind of thing.”
Streets Alive provides health care, clothing, food, connections with other organizations and financial assistance to anyone that may need it. And in the winter months, any help can go a long way.
The charity offers 18 different programs to help the homeless and people in poverty.
Organizations like Streets Alive do what they can to help, but with 223 people counted as homeless in Lethbridge, according to a 2018 survey, this can be a big job.
Brendon, one client of Streets Alive, says the winter has been hard on him.
“It’s been tough, we stay at the shelter. But we’re like one big family. We help each other out with like sandwiches or food or the best we can do”
The cold has been affecting everyone in Lethbridge, but it’s a very serious problem for those in poverty. Streets Alive is doing its part and is always accepting volunteers and donations.
Click here for more information: www.streetsalive.ca.
