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BeTheChangeYYC, a street-level outreach program that serves the homeless, has reached out to city councillors with an emergency request for bottled water.
For the last nine years, the organization has been providing services such as food, water, clothing, hygiene items and program referrals to unhoused individuals in downtown Calgary, serving approximately 150 individuals per day.
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As warmer temperatures approach, the need for bottled water “remains critical,” CEO and founder Chaz Smith said in an email.
Due to Calgary’s current water emergency, stores have imposed a limit on bottled water purchases.
“We are unable to purchase bottled water to replenish our emergency supplies,” said Smith.
With repairs anticipated to take another three to five weeks, Smith is concerned about water accessibility for those living on the streets.
“Dehydration and lack of access to fresh water are already significant challenges among this vulnerable population, and the ongoing infrastructure damage to the water main exacerbates the situation.”
Smith is asking for help from anyone who is able to aid in restocking water supply or connect the organization with a reliable supplier. He expects to serve another 2000 individuals this month, with more than half of them requesting bottled water.
Anyone able to help can reach out on the BeTheChangeYYC website.
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