Overcoming Cold Weather in the North
Communities in the North are no strangers to harsh winter conditions, where frigid temperatures and prolonged cold snaps are the norm. We know that being prepared is critical to surviving the cold. For people experiencing homelessness or lacking adequate shelter though, staying warm can be an overwhelming challenge, often beyond their control.
To help address this urgent need, United Way BC’s Cold Weather Preparedness Grant, funded by the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, provides vital support to communities facing extreme weather emergencies. In Prince George, this funding is empowering the Association Advocating for Women and Community (AWAC) to expand its Emergency Weather Response (EWR) program, ensuring that more people have support and access to warmth and safety during the coldest months.
Overnight Support
The EWR program is the only outreach service of its kind in Prince George, with staff traveling the streets overnight from 6:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., seven days a week. For many, the sight of AWAC’s minivans rolling through the city is a welcome relief, knowing they can receive essential supplies, warm clothing, food, and hot drinks. The EWR team also provides transportation to AWAC’s many shelters, local warming centres, or the hospital when needed.
“This program started four years ago, it’s going to be five years this year,” shares Igor Ceron, AWAC’s Executive Assistant. Running year-round, the program provides critical support to people in need in Prince George, ensuring they have transportation to shelters, access to meals, and essential resources, no matter the season.
With support from the Cold Weather Preparedness Grant, AWAC is expanding its reach, allowing the EWR team to reach more individuals and enhance its services with more food and winter clothing for distribution. “The moment I applied for this funding, we knew that we could go beyond with the help,” Igor heartwarmingly shares.
Going the Distance
With this support, AWAC has been able to extend its outreach beyond downtown, reaching individuals as far as Ospika Boulevard and up to the Hart. “You don’t really find that many people experiencing homelessness in the Hart, but the EWR team is making an effort to just explore more and make sure that they transport people who need to get to shelters. There are a lot of people wandering around the city, especially in the winter, trying to find a warmer place to be,” Igor explains.
With the expansion of the EWR program, AWAC has already made an incredible impact in 2025: serving 3,500 people, transporting 137 to shelters, providing winter gear to 395 individuals, and distributing 3,300 sandwiches in January alone! Beyond these numbers, countless moments of support and connection have helped people in need feel seen and cared for.
While the number of individuals supported hasn’t drastically changed since receiving the Cold Weather Preparedness Grant, the impact has deepened. “It’s different when we serve (people) now,” Igor explains. The need for support remains high, particularly in the colder months. In 2024 alone, AWAC assisted 3,010 individuals in December, 2,839 in November, and 3,200 in October; highlighting the ongoing demand for essential services during extreme weather conditions.
Supporting More Communities
AWAC is one of 19 agencies receiving support through the Cold Weather Preparedness Grant, helping communities across the North, Thompson-Nicola Cariboo, and Southern Interior prepare for and respond to extreme winter conditions. This funding allows organizations to provide essential aid to those most vulnerable during harsh weather.
United Way BC’s Emergency Response & Recovery offers year-round support to individuals, families, and communities impacted by extreme weather events, including wildfires, floods, and cold through response, preparation, and supporting social infrastructure. You can help ensure those facing emergency events receive the support and care they need, donate today.