Chris Puglia
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 16/02) - Turning people away because there's no more beds is hard on Salvation Army staff any time of year, but especially in winter.

"Maximums when it's zero (outside) are easier than in -40," said Major Karen Hoeft of the Yellowknife branch. "So last year we opened up 10 extra mats."

The Salvation Army has about 40 beds available.

Adding 10 more clients might not seem like a lot, but it is a strain on the finances and staff of the organization.

"We're dealing with real people in real situations. You can't wait until Monday for solutions," said Hoeft.

There are number of new houses and apartments being built in Yellowknife but Hoeft says a lot of those properties are not low cost.

"One of the downsides to economic development is sometimes marginalized people are marginalized further," said Hoeft.

Winter is a hard season for people who don't have a place to stay. The Salvation Army provides shelter for men only, and Hoeft says more family shelters are needed in the community.

"We are running out of places for families so we are putting them in hotels so they don't lose their children," said Hoeft.