Kamloops’ homeless population suffering through cold snap

Nov 3, 2017 | 11:12 AM

KAMLOOPS — This week’s cold snap is having a big impact on Kamloops’ homeless population.

New Life Community Kamloops is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week and offers snacks, one hot meal per day and a place to seek refuge from the cold during the day.

Stan Dueck, executive director, says he’s noticed quite an increase in those accessing the social agency’s services since the cold weather hit Kamloops on Wednesday.

“We are very busy when it gets cold like this. People are in here first thing in the morning for a coffee, some pastry or whatever food it is we’re serving and at lunch we’ll have a full house and people all day just trying to stay warm.”

He estimates they usually serve around 100 people a day but notes those numbers are up substantially adding he’s pleased the Canadian Mental Health Association’s winter shelter program is helping ensure people stay warm at night.

Dueck says people could help out by donating things like jackets, blankets and gloves.