Cost of living affects people using Strathmore Overnight Shelter

When you look at the price of gas today, you probably don’t think that could be the difference for someone having a job or being homeless.

The cost of living in Alberta today is having an effect on homelessness.

We spoke with Strathmore Overnight Shelter, Executive Director Elizabeth Karp about the state of the shelter and the kinds of things people who are using it need on a daily basis.

She explained many shelters are filling up right now.

“There is an increase in homelessness for sure, because of increase in addictions, but also because of the cost of living. People are coming in because they can't afford to pay for their food and their rent, or they've lost their home, their trailer, and for different reasons. There's nowhere for them to go,” she said.

“Even gas prices for those that have vehicles, they are struggling to get back and forth to work, if they're fortunate enough to have a job,” she said.

Right now there are a number of everyday donation items that people at the shelter need in order to get by. Those items include paper towels, fabric dryer sheets, dishwashing liquid, lunch bags, sandwich bags, lunch treats, lunch meats, coffee, cheese (slices), fruit and veggies, plastic utensils, and juice crystals.

Gift cards from No Frills are also appreciated, and the shelter is always working on bottle drives, the funds which are used to help offset the cost of utility bills.

Donations can be dropped off at the door of the Harvest Healing Centre Church at 102 Canal Gardens in Strathmore or you can visit the shelter after 7 p.m.