Members of the Community Action Team (CAT) will be handing out capes to the city’s vulnerable citizens as part of a new initiative called Project Cape.
“Those who are forced to live on the streets and are vulnerable to hazardous weather conditions will benefit most from this project,” says Const. Mike Zacharuk of the EPS Community Action Team.
“Warmer weather with wet snow and freezing rain renders most blankets and winter clothing useless once it becomes saturated with moisture. Hypothermia can occur in temperatures as warm as eight degrees when it’s raining and windy. The homeless who aren’t able to or choose not to dry out in a shelter face these risks,” says Const. Zacharuk.
In October 2017 the EPS connected with a Canadian company that donated 60 capes to the EPS that are made of waterproof, highly-visible material that provides shelter from the elements. The company has asked to remain anonymous.
The capes can be worn over winter clothing, rolled into a hood for a pillow, or used to cover belongings. The garment is made from fabric trimmings that would otherwise end up in a landfill site.
Distribution of the capes will be coordinated by members of the Community Action Team. Officers will coordinate with specific units of the EPS to identify and locate persons in need who would benefit most from the garment. Officers will attempt to gather feedback from the recipients to determine if the capes were of use and if the program should continue.