As temperatures plunge, demand for winter clothing surges on the street

With the sudden plunge in temperatures, front-line agencies that help Edmonton's homeless population need some help keeping their clients warm.

By Tuesday, the temperature in Edmonton had plunged to –22 C, with a biting wind chill that can make it feel like –32. The frigid weather is expected to remain for the rest of the week.

The brutally cold temperatures are dangerous for people living on the streets, said Kris Knutson, director of programs at the Mustard Seed.

"When the temperatures drop to being this cold, there can be a lot of effects things like frozen fingers, frostbite and even severe enough to be hypothermia," Knutson said.

'This can really take a toll'

Knutson said those not properly equipped for the cold often fall sick with pneumonia, lung infections, and even risk losing a limb. Amputations from frostbite are not uncommon.

"When you're out walking all day, your feet are frozen," Knutson said in an interview with CBC Radio's Edmonton AM.

"They thaw out again, they're sweating and then you're back out in the cold. This can really take a toll."

The Edmonton Mustard Seed Centre sees up to 500 clients each day, many of whom need warm clothing they can't otherwise afford to buy. Knutson said the centre has a huge need for durable winter wear, including jackets, snow pants, long underwear and mittens for men women and children.

Hope Mission, the United Way, Boyle Street Community Services and Edmonton Emergency Relief Services are also working to meet the sudden demand for winter apparel.

Knutson has seen just how dangerous Edmonton's long winters can be for clients.

He recalled how one man came into the centre last year so severely hypothermic, staff wondered whether he would survive. It's a situation Knutson doesn't want to see repeated this year.

"His friends found him and if he hadn't been found by his friends, probably within a few hours, he would have passed away due to hypothermia.

"But he was fortunate that his friends found him, pulled him out of the bush and brought him into the centre."

Donations to the Mustard Seed can be made at either of their Edmonton locations during regular business hours.