The Warming Centre’s orange door will get lots of use during the extreme cold weather, but the volunteer team is ready for those in need of a place to sleep or to get out of the elements for a while.
Program coordinator Karrie Lepoudre says the new location of the Warming Centre on Fisher Street has already been open for ten nights in December due to the cold weather and will open its bright orange door open as long as this cold snap continues, and beyond.
The centre is run with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers, says Lepoudre, but there is always room for more who wish to give their time for a great cause. For more information on volunteering at the Warming Centre, visit their Facebook page.
The centre opens on nights when it is considered to be cold but is dependent upon volunteer staffing levels that meet the safety guidelines for both staff and clients.
Warm cots, blankets, hygiene kits, and winter clothing are available to guests and hot beverages and food are provided at night, as well as breakfast in the morning.
As many as twelve people have been frequenting the Warming Centre since the cold front rolled in and Lepoudre says that as many as four have stayed the entire night.
Lepoudre says that all are treated as guests in a safe and friendly home environment with the prevailing rule being that all are treated with respect and kindness, in turn.
