## Calgary renews programs, awareness as homeless face dire challenges of winter Chaz Smith recalls the dread of winter during his time being homeless—the snow falling, the plunging temperatures, and the struggle to stay safe despite relying on drugs. “We knew it was going to get colder, and with that came fear,” Smith says, highlighting the harsh reality many homeless people experience as the season changes. ### Winter dangers for the homeless Winter brings life-threatening risks for individuals without shelter, including extreme cold, limited access to warm places, and the struggle with addiction or health issues amid these conditions. The combination of harsh temperatures and lack of basic needs makes survival tougher. ### Renewed efforts in Calgary In response to these challenges, Calgary has strengthened its outreach programs to raise public awareness and provide more support to people experiencing homelessness during winter. These programs focus on offering shelters, warm clothes, and essential services to reduce the dangers faced by this vulnerable population. ### Smith’s perspective Smith, now involved in helping others, stresses the importance of community support and awareness of these harsh winter realities. His experience brings authenticity to efforts aimed at improving conditions for those on the streets. > “People need to understand how bad it really gets for the homeless during the cold months,” Smith says. *** Calgary’s renewed commitment to aiding homeless individuals during winter highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support as these vulnerable people face life-threatening cold and scarcity.

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The Canadian Press on MSN — 2025-11-30