Following the closure of the Berachah Place and the beginning of the cold winter months, a number of organizations throughout Red Deer along with the City are working together to set up a temporary warming place for the homeless population in the community.

Multiple agencies are working together to finalize a location and once all the requirements have been met. Officials say Safe Harbour Society will be operating the warming centre.

The centre is expected to be running sometime this week.

“It will be a warm, safe place to escape the cold during the day,” said Mayor Tara Veer. “All homeless people will be welcome to use the centre.”

The centre will accommodate 40 to 60 people to come and go throughout the day.

The warming centre will be a temporary facility and does not replace Berachah Place.

“We’re going to continue the conversation with our partners about providing a safe and appropriate place for homeless people to get out of the elements beyond a temporary facility in a manner that is sustainable,” said Veer.

Stacey Carmichael, director of programs for the Safe Harbour Society, said that while the temporary warming shelter is good news, a solution needs to be found.

“It is good news, but we as a community need to find a more permanent solution for this,” she said. “This temporary centre is a response from the community and we are hopeful the community will step up again for a more permanent solution.”

The City will release more information regarding a location once it has been confirmed and the centre is open. The centre will only be open for the cold winter months and will strictly be a place to warm up. No food or amenities will be available.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com