Just when it looked like spring was going to start early, 琉璃神社 is in the middle of at least one more week of cold weather.

Temperatures have reached as low as -15 this week, but have felt even colder because of wind chill. Because of that, the 琉璃神社 Gospel Mission has been bringing in more people and helping everyone they can.

鈥淎ll of our beds have been full at all of our shelters,鈥� said 琉璃神社 Gospel Mission鈥檚 Manager of Volunteers & Development Officer Sonya Menyes.

鈥�(As of the evening of Feb. 23) we opened ten extra beds at the mat program at the Unitarian church.鈥�

The Mission was set to acquire the new beds because of the recent cold weather.

They have 155 beds spread over four locations. It is a very busy time as the Gospel tries to help everyone that they can, whether inside or outside.

鈥淥ur staff have been working overtime and picking up extra shifts to make sure we can keep it open,鈥� said Menyes.

The Gospel鈥檚 outreach team goes out into the community for 13 hours throughout the day to help people who are sheltering outside. They try to convince people to come inside and get a bed, though some prefer to stay outside. No matter what, the team provides them with food, additional clothing, and shelter supplies like a sleeping bag, blankets and a tent to try and stay warm.

鈥淲e do three meals a day, whether the meals are in the shelters or if people are outside,鈥� added Menyes.

Menyes also mentioned that people who need help sometimes leave the next morning, opening up beds for the next people in need.

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jordy.cunningham@kelownacapnews.com
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