Windsor homeless shelters gear up for weekend's cold snap

Homeless shelters are gearing up for an influx of visitors this weekend as temperatures are expected to drop considerably over the weekend.

Snow and winds will continue to whip through the Windsor area overnight Friday with temperatures expected to fall to -18 C. But the wind chill could make that feel like -25, according to Environment Canada.

Extra mattresses and space will be made at the Salvation Army shelter in the downtown, making room for up to 40 people. The shelter has 31 beds, but ensuring everyone gets out of the cold is important during these cold snaps, explained Perron Goodyear, spokesman for the Salvation Army's Windsor region.

"We will put extra mattresses on the floor and go above our normal capacity to make sure the most vulnerable are able to come in out of the cold," he said.

Far too often Goodyear sees people on the streets walking around without proper clothing to keep them warm.

"For many of those on a fixed income, those things like hats and gloves are a luxury item," he said.