Coats, gloves, socks: What Downtown Eastside shelters need most to help homeless stay warm
With Vancouver set to experience some of the coldest temperatures of the winter this week, local homeless shelters are looking for clothing donations to help those in need keep warm.
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A special weather advisory is currently in place for Metro Vancouver calling for lows that will feel like -25°C in some parts due to windchill.
With the colder temperatures, homeless shelters say there is a need for warm items and supplies that could help save lives.
The Downtown East Side Women’s Centre is accepting clothing donations of winter/waterproof jackets, sweaters, leggings, long underwear, socks, gloves, scarves, toques, and any other warm, comfortable clothing items. They are also asking for other warming items such as blankets, foil emergency blankets, and hand warmers.
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“It is about to be a very cold week, with snow in the forecast, and all of these items can help to keep women warm and comfortable,” Ali Omelaniec, the Communications & Fundraising Coordinator at DEWC tells Daily Hive.
“This has been a very tough time in our community as many services and facilities in the Downtown Eastside are less accessible during COVID-19, so we appreciate any assistance.”
Extreme weather can mean life or death for people struggling on the streets. Extreme cold means extreme need 🙏
Watch to learn how we’re helping our homeless neighbours through the devastating weather ❄️
Donate now to protect your homeless neighbours: https://t.co/yzlpOioBSF pic.twitter.com/4zTDZyvbVJ
— Union Gospel Mission (@ugm) February 11, 2021
The Union Gospel Mission is also accepting donations and tells Daily Hive that the most needed items men’s pants and sweaters, warm gloves (waterproof is best), waterproof jackets in XL & XXL (men’s), waterproof boots/shoes, long Johns, and rain ponchos.
Where to drop off donations:
DEWC Location: Drop-in Centre, at 302 Columbia St, Vancouver, BC, V6A 4J1.
COVID-19 protocols are in place. Please come masked and ensure that all clothing items/blankets are freshly washed before arrival. Donations can also be mailed to this address.
UGM Location: Tuesday-Friday at their Thrift Store located at 671 E Hastings St. You are welcome to write “OUTREACH” on the items, that way the items can be sorted and given to the outreach teams as quickly as possible. You can also donate to 601 E Hastings at Reception outside of regular Thrift store hours Please follow COVID safety rules including social distancing and wearing a mask.
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