Hamilton Shelters Surge as Extreme Cold Grips City This Weekend

As Hamilton faces extreme cold this weekend, local shelters and warming centres are experiencing unprecedented demand from individuals experiencing homelessness. Both of the warming spaces operated by St. Matthew’s House reached capacity on Friday, January 26, 2024, as anticipated, according to executive director René Wetselaar. This includes the newly opened 35 spots for men at St. Paul’s Coach House, which began operations in December.

To accommodate the influx, St. Matthew’s House has extended its hours over the weekend. St. Paul’s will open early at 21:00 on Saturday and at 12:00 on Sunday, while its Cathedral Cafe, which can accommodate 50 people, will operate from 09:00 to 21:00 on Saturday. Wetselaar commended her staff for their dedication, noting, “They’re all pulling overtime hours but they’re also very committed to keeping people inside.”

Emergency Measures and Capacity Challenges

Environment Canada has issued warnings about “bitterly cold conditions” in Hamilton and surrounding areas, prompting additional measures from local organizations. The YWCA is also stepping up its services. Chelsea Kirby, vice president of strategic initiatives and program development, confirmed that Carole Anne’s Place can typically accommodate 35 women overnight but will temporarily accept up to 45 this weekend due to the severe weather.

“We won’t turn anyone away,” Kirby stated, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to finding alternative spaces for those in need. Despite these efforts, she acknowledged that finding placements is increasingly “tricky” as other city programs are also nearing capacity.

As of the latest reports, the city’s men’s shelter was 98 percent full, while the women’s shelter stood at 94 percent capacity. The combined shelters for both women and men were 83 percent full, according to housing director Michelle Baird. In response, the city is adding five more beds at Mary’s Place, an emergency shelter for women, and 20 additional spaces at the Good Shepherd’s Cathedral emergency shelter for men.

Libraries as Warming Spaces Under Strain

In the winter months, Hamilton opens its recreation centres and public libraries as warming spaces during business hours. The Central Library on York Boulevard has become a critical refuge for those seeking relief from the cold. However, chief librarian Paul Takala reported troubling incidents involving drug use outside and inside the library, which have deterred families from utilizing the space.

To address these concerns, the library will close its downtown branch on Sundays starting in February, citing insufficient staffing to manage the situation effectively. It will also open an hour later during weekdays and Saturdays, beginning at 09:00.

Takala acknowledged the challenges, stating, “The vast majority of people who use the library and may struggle with addiction or experience mental health problems are not disturbing the peace.” He attributed the disturbances to the potency of certain drugs, which have left some individuals unable to regulate their behavior.

In response to these issues, the library is working on modifying its layout to enhance security, particularly in washroom areas, and coordinating with local police to increase their presence in the vicinity.

As Hamilton continues to grapple with severe weather, the community’s resilience is being tested. Local organizations are striving to provide safe haven for vulnerable individuals, highlighting the urgent need for support during this challenging period.