Hope Mission announces measures to serve the vulnerable during extreme cold weather

Hope Mission in Edmonton

Edmonton is currently experiencing extreme cold temperatures, with the forecast remaining dangerously cold tonight and in the days ahead.

For our vulnerable neighbors living on the streets, the extreme cold comes with many health risks such as severe frostbite, hypothermia, and a heightened risk of death.

Hope Mission says it’s committed to helping community members stay safe and warm through this extreme cold by providing the following care and support services:

1. 24/7 Shelter Spaces: Hope Mission is currently funded for a capacity of 850 24/7 shelter spaces, but is activating up to 1,000 spaces to meet the additional need coming to our doors.
2. Wrap-around supports: In addition to emergency care, such as 24/7 shelter, meals, clothing, and hygiene services, Hope Mission provides additional health and social supports, such as housing, access to addiction treatment and recovery, ID services, income support applications, and on-site nursing and medical care.
3. Hope Mission Rescue Van: Hope Mission provides mobile outreach in the Edmonton area to support vulnerable individuals stranded on our streets.  If someone encounters an individual in the cold who may require shelter or non-emergency crisis services, please call 211 and press 3. The Hope Mission Rescue Van will respond to these calls to ensure a safe transfer of individuals to local shelters or other community resources.

Hope Mission is appealing to the community for support to provide the following essential items that will help protect and save lives in light of the surging demand for our services: gloves, mittens, toques, socks, winter coats, hygiene products and toiletries.

Every $2.70 provides a hot meal to our vulnerable neighbors, and to make a financial contribution, please visit www.hopemission.com/donate.