Outreach Team Brings Assistance During Extreme Cold Alerts

Recent frigid temperatures have kept The Salvation Army’s Ottawa Booth Centre Outreach Team busy ensuring people experiencing homelessness are kept safe and warm.

During cold weather alerts Outreach staff are on the road 24/7 handing out gloves, socks, sleeping bags, handwarmers and food to the homeless population in Ottawa. Rides to emergency shelters are also provided to help individuals find a safe place to stay out of the cold.

In January, the Outreach Team January supported:

• 37 individuals from January 10-11
• 72 individuals from January 14-15
• 40 individuals from January 20-21
• 57 individuals from January 23-24

“Our Outreach Team is doing an amazing job on the frontlines to support the homeless population here in Ottawa with essential supports,” said Kristen MacDonald, Manager of Housing and Outreach Services with Ottawa Booth Centre. “During cold weather alerts, services that we provide are even more important.”

Proof of vaccination status, proper identification and COVID-19 restrictions are also contributors impacting the homelessness population in finding temporary public places to warm up.

“Not having ID or a proof of vaccination is hard for those who are homeless. They don’t necessarily have a cell phone where they can keep a copy of their vaccination status,” MacDonald explains. “Because most of the homeless population don’t have a smartphone, they have to carry a physical paper copy in good condition, which is difficult when you’re living outdoors.”

The Outreach Team assists with replacing identification or proof of vaccination that has been lost or destroyed. Additional pandemic funding has also allowed the Ottawa Booth Centre Outreach Team to purchase a higher grade of cold weather supplies to keep someone with no form of shelter protected and safe during extreme cold weather conditions.

MacDonald encourages calling 311 if someone is found living or sleeping on the street or in a lobby, or if someone needs a hat, a pair of gloves, or something to eat. Public donations of cold weather clothing, gloves, hats, hand-warmers or survival blankets can also be arranged by calling 311 in Ottawa.