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A Saskatoon outreach group is working to get its warming bus on the streets as temperatures continue to drop.
Operated for four years by the Church in the Hood Ministries, the bus parks outside of City Centre Church on 20th Street and is a lifeline to those seeking warmth in the winter when other services are not available.
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It’s not just a place to escape the cold, as those who visit the bus also receive soup, coffee, winter clothes and hygiene products.
Although snow has fallen and it’s becoming colder, the warming bus has not opened its doors this season due to heating issues and is currently being repaired.
Founder of the organization Ralph Nicotine said people have been reaching out to ask when the bus will be running.
“They just (want to) come have a bowl of soup and get some winter clothes,” he said.
“We always have to tell them that the bus is being repaired, but we’ll be out hopefully next week.”
The warming bus operated by Church in the Hood Ministries provides warmth for dozens of people each night. (Church in the Hood Ministries/Facebook)
Nicotine said the warming bus can fit up to 20 people at a time, and can get up to 100 visitors a night.
“The guys on the street, it’s really cool that they come on (and) they see other people waiting to warm up, so they take turns.”
Nicotine said he sees a growing need to help with the homelessness crisis every year the warming bus operates.
“The drugs and everything is ramping up,” he said.
“I see a lot of other people starting nonprofits, doing the same kind of work (like) giving out clothing and food, and that’s really great to see.”
The cost to repair the bus is nearly $4,000 and Nicotine said the community has come together to help raise around $1,200 for repairs in just three days.
Repairs are expected to be completed by Monday, and Nicotine said until then the ministry continues to donate food and winter clothes to other organizations to give out on Saskatoon’s 20th Street.
“We just want to help out as many people as we can right now with no bus,” Nicotine said.
Anyone who wants to help keep the Church in the Hood Ministries warming bus rolling throughout the winter can donate on the organization’s Facebook page.
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