The Alliance Church (Kootenay Street North) opened its doors last night for those seeking relief from the extreme cold temperatures holding steady in the region.

In order to further help people, the church is collecting a variety of warming goods and asks community members to help provide them if possible.

People can drop off the following items 24 hours a day at the Alliance Church: Socks, underwear and long underwear; toques, gloves and mitts; hand warmers; any warm weather clothing of any sort; Gatorade; fast food gift cards; tarps (10 x 10); insulated mats (yoga and camping mats); money e-transferred to [email protected] (250-417-7655).

“Let’s go Cranbrook! We expect to be very busy tonight. Very,” stated Tricia McLeod of the Alliance Church.

Additionally, the First Baptist Church, at 334-14th Avenue South, has also opened its doors as a warming shelter.

There is also the existing shelter located at the Travelodge, operated by BC Housing, which provides a place for those in need to get out of the cold.

BC Housing is collecting the same materials as the Alliance Church (list above) at the Travelodge.

Last January (2022) Community Connections Society of Southeast BC estimated Cranbrook’s homeless population to be around 100. It is likely more than that now.

Lead image: A bag of blankets and winter clothing such as a parka and toques destined for the Travelodge. Carrie Schafer/e-KNOW photo

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