Emergency shelters in Calgary are operating at the brink of their limits as a prolonged period of dangerously cold weather grips the city, forcing a surge in demand for warm, safe spaces.
Shelters "Pushing Boundaries" on Occupancy
Kevin Webb, the director of emergency shelter and housing for the Calgary Drop-In Centre, reports that the facility is coming very close to hitting its maximum capacity. "We're pushing our boundaries on occupancy," Webb stated. "It's getting very tight."
Webb explained that shelters have seen higher-than-normal numbers all year, but extreme cold snaps typically drive an additional 60 to 70 people to seek refuge. The current Arctic outflow is proving no exception, putting immense pressure on available resources.
Creative Solutions and Collaborative Response
Despite the strain, shelter staff are finding innovative ways to make room. "The teams are pretty creative when it comes to finding additional space for people," Webb said. Contingency plans, developed as early as August, involve converting administrative areas into temporary sleeping spaces by using collapsible desks and rolling out mats on the floor.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of Calgary's response. Webb, who works with shelters across Canada, noted that other cities are "blown away" by the level of cooperation in Calgary. The Drop-In Centre, Mustard Seed, and Alpha House maintain regular contact, especially in winter, to coordinate and ensure everyone in need finds a place.
Michael Krause, shelter manager at the Mustard Seed, echoed this sentiment. "This isn't individual shelters doing their own thing. This is a sector where we're collaborating with each other, cooperating with each other, learning from each other, and honestly, it's fantastic," Krause said.
Winter Brings Compounding Challenges
The cold weather compounds existing difficulties. Krause pointed out that winter months, less sunlight, and the holiday season are tough on people and mental health. The Mustard Seed sees its daytime numbers double in the winter, and nighttime occupancy is stretching capacity. During severe cold, even individuals who typically avoid shelters will seek a bed indoors.
The unwavering commitment of shelter workers ensures that, even under extreme pressure, help is available. "In the eight-plus years that I've been there, we've never not found a spot for somebody," Webb affirmed, highlighting the dedication to protecting vulnerable Calgarians from the life-threatening cold.
