People Advocating for Change Through Empowerment (PACE) established a cooling station at their premises on Victoria Avenue.
Some volunteers also walked the downtown streets to let people know that water and Gatorade were available at PACE, along with sunscreen.
Executive director Georgina McKinnon said People were so happy and grateful that we were there. It was an awesome feeling to see them leave cooled down again .
McKinnon said the Regional Food Distribution Association supplied drinks, and the local group Hope for Change delivered drinks as well as hot dogs.
She feels there were no other options for many of the users of the cooling centre over the weekend.
COVID-19 vaccine being offered to vulnerable population in city
Due to an outbreak of COVID-19 amongst those who are vulnerably housed in the city of Thunder Bay, several organizations are hosting vaccination clinics for those most at risk.
Feb 25, 2021 3:36 PM By: Doug Diaczuk
NorWest Community Health Centres Is partnering with several community organizations to offer COVID-19 vaccine clinics for vulnerable segments of the population. (File).
THUNDER BAY - In an effort to contain an outbreak of COVID-19 amongst a vulnerable segment of the population in the city of Thunder Bay, several health organizations are working to immunize those who are vulnerably housed or experiencing homelessness in the community.
Victoria Avenue warming centre does a booming business (4 Photos)
Up to 75 people a day are coming in from the cold
Jan 28, 2021 8:06 AM By: Gary Rinne
THUNDER BAY Everything is lifted off me when I come here.
That s how Kyle Watson describes the relief he feels for having access to the new warming centre established by the City of Thunder Bay on Victoria Avenue. We need more of this in Thunder Bay. It gets people off the streets for a bit. It s great, Watson said.
The centre opened on Jan. 15, and is operated for the city by the mental health and addictions non-profit People Advocating for Change Through Empowerment (PACE).
The
Cold Weather Response Plan will continue to be active for the duration of the COVID-19 municipal state of emergency.
“Exposure to cold weather can cause serious or life-threatening health problems,” says Kandace Belanger, who serves as the Manager of the Street Outreach and Harm Reduction Programs with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. “People experiencing homelessness are especially at risk due to increased exposure. COVID-19 restrictions also mean there are fewer locations open to the public to warm up and escape the elements, putting folks at increased risks of cold-related injuries like wind burn, trench foot and frost nip, and in extreme cases frostbite and hypothermia.”