Zion Baptist Church as been designated as an overnight warming centre for people who don’t have shelter during the current cold weather period.
With temperatures predicted to fall, thanks to windchill, to -20 to -30 C until Saturday, Jan. 13, the shelter is expected to open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily until Jan. 13, the City of Terrace said in a release this afternoon.
“Warming centre availability is dependent on staff capacity, and [partner agencies] will work closely to connect those in need of overnight warming with shelter or warming supports as appropriate to their needs,” explained the city.
The city has gathered together a variety of local services agencies and there’s assistance from the provincial emergency management and climate readiness ministry.
As well, city bylaw and community safety officers have been patrolling streets since Jan. 10, checking on the wellbeing of people and distributing supplies to keep people warm.
“Additional partners will also be doing increased outreach, wellness checks, and providing warming resources during the cold weather,” the city said.
“Partners are also working together to ensure unsheltered persons are aware of and able to get to community spaces that are available for warming during daytime hours.”