Salvation Army adds shelter beds due to surge in asylum seekers – Winnipeg Free Press

The Salvation Army has added 80 beds to its emergency shelter in Winnipeg, citing an increase in foreign nationals seeking asylum in Manitoba.

The Center of Hope added 60 beds in October to meet the growing need, but the number of beds available for new arrivals continues to grow.

Wednesday's press release, citing data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, says that the number of asylum seekers processed in January 2024 in Manitoba is four times the number in January 2023.

The shelter at 180 Henry Ave. houses more than 400 people on an average night. About 120 of them are asylum seekers, according to the Salvation Army.

“For the second time in six months, we have created additional space to deal with the increase in people accessing our emergency shelter services,” said Mark Stewart, the centre's executive director.