For Edmonton's homeless community winter can be extremely dangerous.
A new shelter is open this year and should help the city's most vulnerable population stay warm.
The Neighbour Centre, located on 104th Street and 72nd Avenue, has been open for two weeks. It's seen as more of a community rather than a shelter.
"People come in at night, even during the day time, and they sign in. We get to know who's here and get to know people's names, get to know what their situation is," said Pam Reichenbach from the Edmonton Do Likewise Society adding, "there's puzzles, there's games, people like to just sit and read the newspaper. We have computers set up."
The centre has been in the works since 2009. It's the only one of its kind south of the river valley.
"104th street where we're located is what we call the homeless highway. People go from points like the river valley, even downtown. They come down and collect bottles," explained Reichenbach.
Thanks to the help of Homeward Trust, the centre will be open every night.
"Obviously there's no good time to be homeless in this city, but in the winter it is really life threatening and there really hasn't been anything else on the south side," explained Homeward Trust Edmonton's CEO Susan McGee.
The Neighbour Centre is also working with other shelters in the city in hopes of providing shelter around the clock.
"Boyle Street is a part of the winter emergency plan, as well. They come with their van down here and at 9:30a.m. they pick up people that would like to go down to the shelters when we close," said Reichenbach.
"We're really hoping that through this relationship we'll be able to provide permanent housing to people who are homeless, and that's ultimately the outcome we're all looking for," added McGee.
The centre is looking for some help, heading into the cold winter months. Anyone who is able to donate warm winter clothing such as socks, mitts, or toques is asked to drop them off at the Neighbour Centre.
With files from Jenna Bridges
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