A Winnipeg shelter running low on space in the midst of a cold snap has called on all three levels of government for help.
Siloam Mission has 110 beds in its emergency shelter but turned away nearly 30 people on Sunday night when overnight wind chills dipped into the minus thirties.
The mission wants to add 50 emergency beds through its Make Room capital campaign.
On Sunday, a 53-year-old woman was found dead outside Portage Place mall at around 6 a.m.
Her death may be related to the cold, but Winnipeg police are still waiting on autopsy results.
Siloam Mission CEO Garry Corbett says the woman wasn't one of his clients but her death shows just how dangerous the cold can be.
"It just tears your heart out that somebody in this day and age would actually freeze to death outside at night," said Corbett. "The Salvation Army, they are just about two blocks from us, and they will accept people no matter how many people it is. They're sleeping on pews, they're sleeping on the floor, staying out of the cold but it'd be nice to have a place where they can actually go to bed at night."
Siloam Mission is asking the province for $3 million and the city for $2.3 million over five years.
On Friday, the city's executive policy committee rejected Siloam's request for a grant, but councillor Brian Mayes said the city is supportive of the idea and is looking at other funding options.
"I think there's the political will here to try and find some more money for Siloam," said Mayes. "It may take a few years to do that but there was certainly that commitment there."
A provincial spokesperson said the Manitoba government is aware of Siloam Mission's funding request and will be meeting with the organization in January to discuss the project.
Alex Forrest, President of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg said when the temperature drops the people most vulnerable are the city's homeless.
"It's a stark reminder to the people of Winnipeg that we live in a very dangerous climate for many people.
"We all have to keep an eye out for them. If you see anyone outside in this weather and you believe they are in distress in anyway, call us."
(CTV Winnipeg)
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