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

“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). ”

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.

by Darren Rathwell

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

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