Cold snap, financial pressures drive many to Winnipeg soup kitchen for meals, warmth
CBC News | Posted: January 5, 2025 11:49 PM | Last Updated: January 6
Environment Canada says risk of frostbite in Winnipeg as 'bitterly cold weather' brings temperature to -22 C
At a downtown Winnipeg soup kitchen, Executive Director Peter McMullen said people would often walk in through the front door, grab a warm meal and be right out the door shortly after.
But as the frigid weather ices over much of Manitoba, he said those coming in for food or a coffee at the Lighthouse Mission are choosing to stay inside longer this weekend.
McMullen said Winnipeg's shelter system is responsive to cold temperatures, with centres staying open beyond normal operation hours and enacting a policy of not removing anyone until there is a reprieve in the weather.
Still, people experiencing homelessness "are kind of buttoned down, and the frigid weather has an effect on them accessing resources in the area," he said, including hygiene products and dry clothing.
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued warnings for northern Manitoba early Friday morning but expanded them later in the day, saying the majority of the province would see "bitterly cold weather" into next week.
Temperatures for much of the southern Prairies, including south and central Manitoba, drop to –30 C or below, with wind chill values around –40 into Saturday.
The federal weather agency said there was a risk of frostbite in Winnipeg on Sunday as temperatures plunged below –22 C, feeling closer to –32 with wind chill.
Soup kitchen 'busier' than past years
Marty, who didn't want to use his full name because of safety reasons, is spending his third winter on the streets of Winnipeg, camping out in a tent near Waterfront Drive during the cold snap.
"I didn't plan on being homeless," he said. "Waking up in the middle of the night is kind of cold … people walking by startle you sometimes."
Marty, is taking it day-by-day while trying to stay positive, and stepping into shelters or setting a fire by his tent to stay warm.
"I don't mind it now," he said. "It is not as rough as I would say it looks like."
At the soup kitchen, McMullen said the demand for service ticks up on colder days, but the charity has seen an overall increase in the number of people "having a hard time stretching their dollar" and coping with the cost of living.
"We've been busier than previous years in general," he said. "Our emergency food hamper service has increased, and people that have never had to access those services are now accessing [them]."
The charity is currently undergoing renovation to begin operating its crisis detox bed service at the end of 2025.
Construction has been delayed due to a rise in construction costs, but once it opens, McMullen hopes the impact of the program is going to help individuals transition into long-term recovery programs to help get more people to overcome addiction and get off the streets.
"It's successful day will be the day when we have to close our doors at Lighthouse Mission because there's no one to serve," he said.
In the meantime, if there's someone in distress, McMullen said people could contact 911 or connect with outreach services like the Downtown Community Safety Partnership or the Main Street Project.
But overall, "just be compassionate and caring towards those individuals who are struggling," he added.