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Calgary Herald

Unhoused Calgarians to benefit from expanded year-round extreme weather supports

Calgarians experiencing homelessness will soon have more access to safe, indoor spaces year-round, as two of the city's dedicated warming centres transition into year-round respites from extreme weather. Article content Article content Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF) announced the initiative Thursday, a collaboration with the City of Calgary, Calgary police and United Way of Calgary. While offering shelter from extreme weather, the spaces aim to reduce barriers to housing and support reintegration into the community, ultimately helping people break the cycle of homelessness, the homeless foundation said in a release. Article content Article content 'It's very exciting for us to be able to serve more people and get them the supports that they need,' said Bo Masterson, the foundation's VP of stakeholder engagement. 'It's a really great opportunity to serve folks year round in a way that is very accessible, welcoming (and) supportive. Article content Article content 'Connecting them to services is a huge opportunity for our city to support people where they're at.' Article content The City of Calgary has committed $1.1 million per year over the next two years for the Day Spaces, according to the Calgary Homeless Foundation. Article content Masterson said the transition to year-round service was driven by the success of the Extreme Weather Response at creating low barrier access points to connect people to more sustainable, longer term supports, such as referrals to housing, mental health and medical supports, financial coaching and tax help. During the winter, more than 37,000 visits were recorded at five Extreme Weather Response locations, the foundation said. Article content Article content 'That is the success that really led us to thinking about having this this support year round,' Masterson said. Article content What is a Day Space? Article content According to CHF, Day Spaces provide an alternative to public spaces such as libraries, parks and transit during the day. They offer a trauma-informed place where people can rest, get a warm meal or beverage, and connect with services. Article content The year-round spaces will provide refuge during periods of extreme weather, such as extreme heat, cold or smoky conditions, while also connecting people to resources to ultimately support their journey out of homelessness. Article content The first expansion will take place at the Mustard Seed's Community Impact Centre, where renovations will increase daily capacity from 300 to 450. Office sapce on the second floor will be converted into service areas. Article content The centre already provides extreme weather programs, such as hygiene items, clothing, hot lunches and connection to support services. Article content 'We're very excited about this opportunity,' said Mustard Seed CEO James Gardiner. 'It gives us the chance to connect with more people in the vulnerable population that we seek to reach … This allows us to be able to touch more lives.'