With the bitter cold temperatures, a lot of youth in need are spending their time in the warmth of Youth Impact.
Associate Director Cathy Manuel says they frequently have youth dropping in and staying for the day, “In the summer, we might have 20 or 30 youth per day that will come in and take a shower, do laundry to hop on the Internet for awhile. In the winter months though, you will come in and stay for longer lengths of time. Some of them will come in for several hours to just get some sleep during the day, while they get out of the cold.”
Manuel says the centre isn’t open 24 hours a day, so the youth have to find a place to sleep for the night. She says many of them stay with friends on a couch, or will go to one of the shelters in the city, to ensure they are out of the cold for the night.
She says they also see youth dropping in, just to have someone to talk to, “With it being Christmas, sometimes it isn’t always a joyful season for everyone.”
Environment Canada says a cold arctic airmass that is currently over New Brunswick, is bringing cold air and high winds, making it feel like minus 32 degrees.
Youth Impact offers a variety of programs for youth ages 16 to 24 including transitional housing and the chance to get a GED.
The hours at Youth Impact vary depending on the day. For more information, visit HERE
