THUNDER BAY – As temperatures continue to drop in Thunder Bay, the executive director at Shelter House says the Street Outreach Service program is going into overdrive.
According to Environment Canada, the mercury isn’t expected to crawl above -12 C on Thursday, which may seem like a heat wave on Friday and Saturday, where the projected high is -23 C on Friday and -21 on Saturday.
Overnight temperatures are expected to plunge below –30 C, with wind chills in the range of -37 C.
Michelle Jordan on Thursday said the frigid weather is frightening for anyone who doesn’t have a place to call home.
“It makes us really nervous when it’s super cold like this because we want to make sure people are inside and they’re safe. So our SOS teams are continuing to patrol a lot more when it’s really, really cold to look for people and make sure that people who are typically sleeping outside come inside so that they’re warm,” Jordan said.
As winter weather hits full effect in the city, Jordan added Shelter House has been running at over-capacity in recent weeks.
She said they’ve been encouraging those who need a bed to register before 9 p.m. to ensure they get one, but added they’ve also been working with other shelters around the city to make sure no one has to stay out in the cold.
Jordan said it’s just great to see most of those who need a bed find one at this time of year.
“They’re grateful. They’re very thankful to be here. We want to make sure that people have warm clothing as well. So we really rely on community partners to help us out when it’s this cold outside.”
According to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, exposure to the cold can cause serious or life-threatening health issues,
Infants, seniors, the homeless and those who have to work outdoors are most at risk. Dangers include hypothermia and frostbite. Symptoms of the former include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. Symptoms of the later include white or grayish skin areas, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness.
The temperatures have also affected local school children, who must remain indoors during the school day when temperatures drop below -15 C.
To help combat the elements, officials at Grace Place’s shelter said they are in desperate need of donated winter hats and mittens.
