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Grants help agencies plan and prepare for cold weather
United Way British Columbia (United Way BC)’s Cold Weather Preparedness Grant, made possible by the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR), provides support to communities facing extreme weather emergencies.
Focusing on Northern BC, Thompson-Nicola Cariboo, and the Southern Interior, 19 agencies received funding to prepare for and respond to cold weather.
Most grants focused on proactive programming to prepare for winter and provide help to those most affected by extreme weather conditions. From free preparedness workshops, creating systems to better enable a response during the cold, and increased relationship building with vulnerable clients to creating and distributing cold weather kits, grants were used to address a growing need in many communities.
In Cranbrook, the grant helped Fresh Start Collaborative Society (pictured above) to develop a comprehensive response plan for the region that includes outreach and education, engagement with first responders, and the provision of equipment to alleviate the hardships of outdoor winter living. The plan also includes transportation to safe and warm spaces during inclement weather and ensuring safe transitions out of shelters during closed times.
“Collaboration will enable the pooling of community supplies and resources and their delivery when needed. We will be able to provide winter clothing, blankets, emergency kits, and other essential items to those living unhoused in extreme weather conditions,” said Tracey Amy, Regional Coordinator, Community Impact & Investment, United Way British Columbia.
“Our goal is to support a robust community response plan to save lives and reduce injuries during cold weather. This funding will enhance our ability to respond effectively and expand our network to ensure equitable support for citizens in need.”
United Way BC’s Emergency Response provides year-round support to individuals, families, and communities affected by extreme weather events like wildfires, floods, and extreme cold. We are committed to fostering preparedness, social infrastructure recovery, and immediate crisis response.
Through initiatives such as the Cold Weather Preparedness Grant, recovery grants, and Extreme Weather Preparedness Guides, United Way BC helps communities build resilience.
Photo submitted
United Way BC
