Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre’s Outreach Services Team Supporting Homeless During Holiday Storm

During the expected snow and ice storm over the holiday weekend, The Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre’s Outreach teams will be checking on the city’s homeless population on the streets of Ottawa.

Two vans, each with two highly trained Outreach Services staff members, will be driving around the city searching for those that may need some assistance.

The Salvation Army’s Outreach Services Coordinator Kristen McDonald says the first priority is to make sure that people are safe, prepared and capable of being outdoors.

“We make sure people know there is a bad storm coming and make sure they know their options. If they insist on staying outside then we monitor them and provide the opportunity to come inside throughout the bad weather,” said Kristen.

“We can assist those who are exposed to the elements for long periods of time with warm clothing like coats, mitts, hats and boots as well as mats, blankets and sleeping bags, but we do try to encourage individuals to seek shelter and we are more than happy to provide transportation.”

Although the Ottawa Booth Centre is often at capacity, Kristen says during bad weather and extreme cold they have overflow space where staff put down mats to make sure everyone has a warm place to sleep. “We’ve never had a situation where we couldn’t find space; we never turn anyone away.”

The program runs from 6 am to 3 am Monday to Friday and 11 am to 3 am on weekends and holidays.

Donations of new or gently used warm winter clothing, sleeping bags and mats are being accepted and are appreciated at the Ottawa Booth Centre at 171 George Street.

If you are concerned about anyone out in the cold, you are asked to please call 311 and our Outreach Team will be dispatched to support these individuals.

To support Outreach Services and other critical programs please donate to any Christmas Kettle in shopping areas around the city until Saturday evening,  but if you’re staying home during the storm this weekend, donations can also be made online at www.salvationarmy.ca or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

By: Caroline Franks