What once was a program designed simply to offer more warm spaces for Calgary’s homeless population during the city’s coldest days, is looking at expanding after recording its highest number of individual users yet.
The Calgary Homeless Foundation released data from the fourth year of its Extreme Weather Response (EWR) program on Thursday. Despite this past winter having just 18 days that fell below –20 C in Calgary, EWR recorded more than 32,300 visits to its day spaces between December and March, from more than 3,200 people.
Through EWR, the Calgary Homeless Foundation partners with the city and more than 20 other organizations to provide access to safe, warm day spaces for people experiencing homelessness during the winter. The spaces offer a place to rest, meals, clothing, hygienic supplies, access to showers and laundry, and connections to health and housing supports.