Another prolonged period of hot weather is making its way to Calgary this week, and shelters in the city say they’re ramping up to help those in need.
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the city with extreme heat expected to last up to 10 days. Local outreach agencies like the Mustard Seed are ramping up efforts to keep the unhoused community safe during the sweltering temperatures.
“We mitigate those risks as much as possible by handing out bottled water,” says Samantha Lowe, the Mustard Seed’s senior director of shelter operations. “We have cooling spaces for folks, such as our community impact centre here.”
“We encourage folks to stay in the shelter as well, we operate 24/7.”
Alan Best is one of many Calgarians who accesses the Mustard Seed’s shelter. He says he’s grateful for a place to stay amid the scorching heat.
“I lost my place to live and I’m staying at the Mustard Seed,” he says. “Very thankful to be here, it is good.”
But in order to continue providing support to those in need, like Best, the non-profit organization says donations of bottled water, hats, sunscreen, and appropriate sun clothing are much-needed.
“We do rely significantly on donations to be able to provide these services,” Lowe says. “If people feel they want to donate, we very much appreciate it.”
Donations can be made on The Mustard Seed’s website.
The City of Calgary is also doing it’s part to offer some relief from the heat.
“In 2022, we created an interactive cool down map that identifies spaces to help keep Calgarians cool on hot summer days,” reads a statement from the city. “The map includes publicly accessible splash parks and wading pools, libraries, recreation centres and other spaces that can provide a brief respite from the heat.”
Environment Canada is urging everyone to protect themselves during the heat wave by taking frequent breaks from the outdoors and spend time in cool indoor spaces whenever possible.
“Drink water,” Best says. “Carry it in a bottle, carry it in a pack or put some in your car — even warm water is good when you’re dehydrated.”