Preparing for Winter: What Happened During Winterization Week !
This past week, from the 27th to the 31st of October, our doors were temporarily closed so we could focus on preparing our spaces for winter.
The winter season brings new challenges for the people we support, and our spaces need to be safe, warm, and welcoming. That’s why we dedicated the entire week to winterization: repairing, cleaning, organising, and preparing everything for the colder months ahead!
Insulating our spaces in Alpha Land
Why Winterization Matters
For many people on the move, winter is not just a season, it is an added layer of hardship. Cold rooms, rain, wind and limited clothing, can quickly become unsafe. Our aim was to make sure that as winter begins, everyone who comes to Alpha Center, Alpha Land and the Free Shop finds a warmer, safer, and more dignified environment, — not just to stay warm, but to feel seen, supported, and welcomed.
Throughout the week, our team of volunteers worked across Alpha Center, Alpha Land and the Warehouse to:
Paint walls and refresh shared areas, bringing new light and colour into the spaces.
Repair broken furniture and fixtures, making small but meaningful improvements.
Rearrange the Free Shop, preparing winter clothes and shoes for distribution.
Deep clean and organise storage spaces, so everything is accessible and ready to use.
Prepare dedicated safe spaces for women and children, and set up areas for psychosocial support, games, and community activities.
It was physical work, but it was carried out with care, teamwork, and a strong sense of purpose.
Our Winter Distribution Has Started !
Following winterization week, we have now started our winter distribution. The Free Shop and Warehouse have both been rearranged and restocked by our team to respond to winter needs.
So far, the distribution has been a great success, with many community members coming to Alpha Center and the Free shop to receive warm clothing, jackets, shoes, and other essential items for the colder months ahead !
We remain committed to supporting the community throughout the winter, and all of this is only possible thanks to the dedication of our team and volunteers, and the generosity of those supporting our Winter Fundraiser.
Winter Fundraiser — How to Support
Our Winter Fundraising Campaign is still ongoing. Donations help us cover essential needs and makes a huge difference !
Every contribution, whether a donation, a share, or a message of support, helps us continue this work throughout the winter.
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who contributed during winterization week, thank you to all our amazing volunteers, and everyone who supports us, near and far. Winterization is not only about fixing our spaces. It is about doing as much as we can to protect dignity, build community, and make sure no one is left in the cold.
Jonas Finger - SV Communications Officer.