Winnipeg plans new overnight shelter to address overflow during winter months

Winnipeg will soon have moreshelter space to be used as overflow if existing emergencyshelters are fullthis winter.

Those working with people experiencing homelessness expect the new space, which the city is calling a pop-up shelter, to be open for months.

"We are actually anticipating that likely once we open, we won't close until March 31," saidTessa Blaikie Whitecloud, CEO of Siloam Mission, whichwill provide space and some staff for the overflow shelter, with additional staff coming from other organizations. Siloam Mission also has ayear-round shelter.

The city and End Homelessness Winnipeg held a news conference Wednesday to announce$265,000 in funding to support thetemporary shelter space.

A decision to open the shelter must be made three days in advance.

It can only welcome people experiencing homelessness if three conditions are met: the overnight temperature feels like 10 C or colder, if other emergency sheltersN'Dinawemak, Main Street Project, Salvation Army, Siloam Missionand Just a Warm Sleep are "consistently full," and if a minimum of four staff are present.

Blaikie Whitecloud believes it won't be hard to meet those targets, notwithstanding the current unseasonably warm weather.

Once it's cold enough, "we'll be spurring into action to make sure that, if people choose it, they have a warm place to be inside," she said.

Staff from 4 agencies

The overnight space will have staff from a few of the agencies supporting people who arehomeless:Siloam Mission, 1JustCity, Main Street Projectand Sunshine House.

It's expected the shelter will be open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. There will be snacks and coffee, as well asactivities such as games and art.

Community members will also have a safe space to sleep or to stay awake, depending on their needs.

The city is contributing $200,000 to the project, as part of the $1-million fund the city set aside in its last budget to expand 24/7 safe space partnerships and explore new initiatives in the event of extreme weather. End Homelessness Winnipeg is contributing the remaining $65,000.