Winter Months Threaten Airdrie Homeless

Homeless persons in Airdrie are getting ready for the freezing winter temperatures of the next couple of months.

 

The cold winter months are finally here and the serious dangers of getting frostbite and other related injuries are becoming more common. When outside, one should take the necessary precautions to avoid such injuries and limit their time in the cold. But what if you have no choice but to brave the elements?

 

The homeless in Airdrie don't have the option of hiding away in a house for the winter and have had to find other options to keep warm. Luckily, there is a charity organization in Airdrie prepared to help.

 

Community Links offers the Jacket Racket, a program that gives out donated coats and other winter clothes to anyone in need.

 

Community support worker Mariam Beawerwala says they offer donated jackets specifically to battle the cold.

 

"We do have the Jacket Racket that runs in the winter. Those are just donated jackets that we get from anywhere and people have open access to those. They include mitts, scarves, hats, things like that and we have homeless backpacks that include all those items as well as blankets."

 

The dangers of winter are very real, and something that Beawerwala believes should be addressed.

 

"We don't what them to be outside for very long. Of course, lineups for the drop-ins are long, so we want them to be prepared, we want them to be warm. Those things don't really (happen) in the summer. A lot of people are able to stay in their car or have a sleeping bag and stay out in the cold, but with winter you can't really do that."

 

However, despite the cold weather clothing and the support put into place, many homeless people in Airdrie must make the long treck into Calgary to find shelter.

 

"We send people usually to Calgary because we have no homeless shelters in Airdrie. We do support people getting to Calgary in time before three so they're able to get into a shelter."

 

Sometimes, though, getting to Calgary isn't easy.

 

"Transportation is a big danger. Oftentimes roads are unclear, and it's harder to get into Calgary so people opt to stay somewhere else."

 

Beawerwala wants locals to help as much as they possibly can in the futures freezing months.

 

"If you see someone, let them know that there are resources. Community Links is a great resource. Bring them here, we can get them to a shelter. And, if anyone does have any old jackets or jackets they don't wear anymore, please do donate those. Any scarves, mitts, gloves, things like that, we are always taking those donations and those donations are very valuable during the winter."