By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle

Town council has approved a $2,000 grant-in-aid for a cold weather shelter run out of a local church.

On Nov. 28 council agreed to give the Seventh-Day Adventist Church the funds for its warming centre to help those in need.

The shelter got off to an early start this winter (in November) due to abnormal snowfall and cold temperatures.

Volunteer coordinator Greg Thorp told council they are requesting funds to fill in the gaps where donations fall short. For example, they need funds to cover basic costs for providing shelter, feeding, and clothing people facing housing insecurity and homelessness.

Thorp said they provide a hot meal and a place to sleep for anyone who needs it. The shelter opens at 4 p.m. when the weather is forecast to be -7 C or colder.

In the 2021/2022 season, the shelter opened 27 nights. 

“We anticipate that number to be higher this year with the earlier start to the season,” Thorp said.

He stated they achieve success in the program when those in need are warm and fed and nobody in the community succumbs to the elements.

Thorp gave kudos to Jo Tanner from Oliver Missions who has been instrumental in providing people with information and support.

Tanner told the Times Chronicle that demand at the warming centre was up nearly 30 per cent, hosting 94 people in eight days of operation; they typically see eight to nine people per night.

She noted that 15 people have been showing up for dinner, and they have been assisting seven seniors who live in their vehicles. She added that some seniors can’t leave their homes due to the cold. “We make sure they get what they need.”

Tanner said Oliver Missions is seeing more need this year than previous years. And she noted the feedback from people has been great. 

“They are absolutely thrilled and appreciative. A number of them said this feels like home when they walk in . . .. that was probably the most touching.”

Tanner also noted the transformation in people is amazing.

“In a 48-hour period from the time they walk in we see a totally different person because they had a chance to clean up, get warm and get proper nutrition.”

Tanner pointed out the community support has been phenomenal.

For example, the staff at Innervisions hair salon raised $250 for the warming centre during a recent open house.

They put tinsel in people’s hair, waxed eyebrows and gave tints to raise the needed funds.