By Taylor Chartrand

Local organizations rally to keep less fortunate warm

Feb 7, 2019 | 3:58 PM

Medicine Hat, AB – To make sure individuals aren’t struggling during this cold-stretch, organizations like the Champion Centre and Salvation Army are doing their part to keep people warm this winter.

One less fortunate individual that was willing to share his story was Skylar Gebert.

“I’m 24-years-old,” explained Gebert. “I haven’t been homeless for too long compared to other people, but it’s pretty difficult being homeless, you know?”

Gebert says he’s been homeless for a few years now after battling a drug-addiction and now he’s on the road to recovery thanks to the Champion Centre.

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“When I was running around high, I wasn’t eating or sleeping correctly and I didn’t have good people around me. I now get all of those things provided for me at the Champion Centre. It’s just great to connect with the people there.”

Gebert says he is thankful for the services provided by the Champion Centre to Medicine Hat’s less fortunate.

“I only had a spring jacket a week ago and then this cold weather came and hit. Now, I have three toques, a pair of gloves and I also got a scarf. I’m happy that I get the chance to walk around warm.”

And that’s exactly what the Champion Centre’s goal is, to provide comfort and warmth to vulnerable individuals like Gebert.

“You know, feed the hungry, clothe them and just take care of them,” explained Champion Centre Manager Barbra Sullivan. “Some of these individuals are such hurting people and they need somebody to say ‘I care’ and we do care.”

Another organization that focuses on care for Medicine Hat’s homeless population is the Salvation Army.

Core Officer Murray Jaster says they have seen numbers increase for their day-time drop in program due to this cooler weather.

“We’re seeing roughly 20-30 people during the day and anywhere from 70-80 in the evening,” explained Jaster.”Sometimes it’s just to hangout and obviously at this time of year, sometimes it’s just to stay warm.”

And while the day-time drop in numbers have increased, Jaster says the shelter numbers have stayed relatively steady.

“The numbers definitely fluctuate, but the average is 14-15 people accessing the shelter, which is what it was nearly a month ago. This tells me the networking and systems we have in place with the other agencies seem to be working.”