Siloam Mission opens warming space to keep Winnipeggers safe

Some Winnipeggers experiencing homelessness now have another resource to stay warm — and safe — as the temperatures drop thanks to the Siloam Mission’s Winter Overnight Warming Space. 

The warming space, located at 300 Princess St., operates on a drop-in basis and will be open until March 2025, with officials at the Mission saying it plays a critical role in keeping people sheltered against the frigid temperatures. 

“Every year we react to winter like a new emergency that we never saw coming. I am grateful to all the sector partners contwho ramp up and backed us to expand our services over the course of the winter to save lives,” said CEO of Siloam Mission, Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud in a news release. 

“This is a critical, temporary lifesaving service that provides immediate relief as we work collectively to create long-term solutions, like housing, to ultimately eliminate the need for services like this.”

Unlike previous years, there is no temperature threshold in place, meaning the shelter will be operating every night. It will be operated by a team of staff who are onsite, helping residents with supports like food and emergency clothing and responding to emergencies like drug poisonings.

People can come and go from the warming space as they place, with doors opening at 8:30 p.m. and remaining open until 7:30 a.m. 

The opening of the warming space comes as the weather is expected to turn, with Environment Canada predicting to see temperatures drop come Friday, with a low of – 23 C, feeling like – 32 C with the wind chill.

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