Winnipeg plans new overnight shelter to address overflow during winter months
Ian Froese | CBC News | Posted: November 15, 2023 8:21 PM | Last Updated: November 15, 2023
'Likely once we open, we won't close until March 31,' Siloam Mission CEO says
Winnipeg will soon have more shelter space to be used as overflow if existing emergency shelters are full this winter.
Those working with people experiencing homelessness expect the new space, which the city is calling a pop-up shelter, to be open for months.
"We are actually anticipating that likely once we open, we won't close until March 31," said Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud, CEO of Siloam Mission, which will provide space and some staff for the overflow shelter, with additional staff coming from other organizations. Siloam Mission also has a year-round shelter.
The city and End Homelessness Winnipeg held a news conference Wednesday to announce $265,000 in funding to support the temporary shelter space.
A decision to open the shelter must be made three days in advance.
It can only welcome people experiencing homelessness if three conditions are met: the overnight temperature feels like –10 C or colder, if other emergency shelters — N'Dinawemak, Main Street Project, Salvation Army, Siloam Mission and Just a Warm Sleep — are "consistently full," and if a minimum of four staff are present.
Blaikie Whitecloud believes it won't be hard to meet those targets, notwithstanding the current unseasonably warm weather.
Once it's cold enough, "we'll be spurring into action to make sure that, if people choose it, they have a warm place to be inside," she said.
Staff from 4 agencies
The overnight space will have staff from a few of the agencies supporting people who are homeless: Siloam Mission, 1JustCity, Main Street Project and Sunshine House.
It's expected the shelter will be open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. There will be snacks and coffee, as well as activities such as games and art.
Community members will also have a safe space to sleep or to stay awake, depending on their needs.
The city is contributing $200,000 to the project, as part of the $1-million fund the city set aside in its last budget to expand 24/7 safe space partnerships and explore new initiatives in the event of extreme weather. End Homelessness Winnipeg is contributing the remaining $65,000.