'We welcome you': Regina's Carmichael Outreach hoping to help neighbouring homeless encampment

Carmichael Outreach has seen a busy start to the new year due to cold weather hitting Regina.

On a regular day, the charity organization sees around 50 people come through their doors.

The average number of daily clients has jumped due to people looking for a place to keep warm, as well as to look for clothing to deal with freezing temperatures.

Over the last week, Regina was under an extreme cold warning, making it unsafe to be outside. With the wind chill, frost bite was a danger for unexposed skin n just minutes.

“With the holidays, there was an impact there. A lot of places closed early. A lot of places weren’t open,” said Chrysta Garner, the development coordinator at Carmichael Outreach.

“We had to extend our hours and have people come in a little bit earlier and make sure everyone was safe,” Garner added.

Their overnight warmup program has reached its capacity multiple times. Thankfully, they have not had to turn anyone away.

Near the Carmichael Outreach building is a homeless encampment. Despite the cold weather there are still people living there.

Those at Carmichael Outreach regularly check on the camp and invite everyone needing it to a warm space.

“We are here, we are a safe place. Come get a bite to eat. Come warm up for little bit. You don’t have to be sitting outside all day, we welcome you,” Garner said.

Carmicheal Outreach is asking the public to call emergency services if there is a person seen in danger or distress due to cold temperatures.

Donations such as winter coats, boots and other ideas to keep warm are welcomed at their centre.