By Darren Rathwell

Battling the cold: demand by the disadvantaged rises in Medicine Hat

Nov 18, 2021 | 5:45 PM

MEDICINE HAT — As the temperature drops in Medicine Hat, demand is rising for shelter for the disadvantaged.

About 12 people per day are now using the Salvation Army shelter, about twice the number they usually see, according to Salvation Army Captain David Dale

And along with more people seeking night-time shelter, there’s more demand for a refuge in the day-time at the Medicine Hat Public Library, which is throwing out the welcome mat to the disadvantaged.

“We just want to be there for everyone in the community,” Ken Feser, chief librarian at the Medicine Hat Public Library said, adding, “There’s a real reduction in the community in options for people. There are less public washrooms, less places you can fill your water bottle, less warm spaces and the rules are tighter everywhere (because of COVID-19). ”

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

20h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

But the agency that oversees homeless programs says they’re continuing to run as usual.

“In terms of people accessing water and basic services, that’s always been available to folks. It might not be as convenient,” Jaime Rogers, homeless and housing development manager with the Medicine Hat Community Housing Society said.

On Wednesday, the province announced Medicine Hat is among the cities getting money for emergency shelters and isolation spaces. Rogers says the money will be used to continue the isolation program they’re already running for those who get COVID-19.

At the Salvation Army, the virus continues to be an issue.

“Before COVID we would have several people in one room but now it’s limited to two people and the room would be fairly large,” Dale said.

However, he says other programs are also in place to help fill needs.

“In the daytime we now have some programs running to help people connect with housing and our community resource centre is open.”

The Mustard Seed also offers programs to help the disadvantaged, including free meals and referral services.

And at the public library, along with a social worker on site, they’re marking “Random Act of Kindness Week, saying they’ll treat a disadvantaged person like anyone else.

“Just be positive, and human, and connect with people where they are,” Feser said.