Prince George's Association Advocating for Women and Community (AWAC) is one of 19 community organizations to receive funding through the United Way BC Cold Weather Preparedness Grant, supported by the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
This funding is aimed at supporting communities facing extreme weather emergencies, with a focus on helping vulnerable populations prepare for and respond to the challenges of extreme cold, the United Way states in a press release.
The city has been gripped by extreme cold for weeks.
“We know extreme weather events like wildfires, heat domes, and the dangerously low temperatures we’re seeing now disproportionately affect our most vulnerable community members," stated Kristi Rintoul, director of community impact and investment at United Way BC, emphasized the importance of the initiative: Youth, seniors, and individuals experiencing precarious or no housing are at the greatest risk. Thanks to this funding and the partnership with trusted local organizations, we’re able to offer relief and support to those in urgent need.”
The grants primarily fund initiatives to prepare communities for winter and assist those most impacted by extreme weather. These efforts include free preparedness workshops, enhanced emergency response systems, strengthened relationships with vulnerable individuals and the creation and distribution of cold weather kits to communities in need.
In Prince George, AWAC has expanded its Emergency Weather Response outreach program with support from the grant.
As the only service of its kind in the area, AWAC’s team travels the streets from 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. every night, offering supplies, food and transportation to shelters, warming centres and other safe spaces for people without a place to stay.
With the additional resources provided by the grant, AWAC is able to broaden its reach and assist more individuals, including those in more remote areas.
