Downtown homeless centre needs help after cold weather hits

 

People who are homeless look for help at Street Help Homeless Centre during the winter. 

Staff at Street Help on Wyandotte Street East give warm meals, clothing and a bed to those in need during the colder months. Street Help is a registered Canadian charity. The agency was founded 21 years ago and designed as a drop-in centre for the homeless. Staff at the centre said they could use more helping hands as they have more people in the shelter lately than warmer months, often limiting what they can do to help.

Christine Wilson, founder and administrator of Street Help, said they are more busy in the winter. 

“In the summer-time people are more creative and able to take roofing jobs or other kinds of menial labour,” said Wilson. “Our folks can earn a few dollars and take care of themselves.In the winter months a lot of those jobs are not available.”

Wilson said they are always in need of donations that can be dropped off at their address, Street Help at 964 Wyandotte Street E. Donations can be non-perishable food items, school snacks such as juice boxes and string cheese, as well as clothing. But what they need most are more volunteers. 

Wilson also said they need people to sort and re direct donations to other agencies and charities. 

“We need extra hands, it is a lot of work. We need people in the kitchen to help cut veggies and sort and date the canned goods, ” said Wilson. “We need people to help us keep it organized.” 

Anthony Nelson, a kitchen staff member said the donors who provide food for the centre keep the place running. 

“Our donors bring us what we need. Hygiene products, canned goods, some even bring us pasta or chicken. I will prepare the meals, making enough for 200 to 300 people which will last through dinner,” said Nelson. 

He also said the staff makes sure nobody at the centre ever goes hungry. 

Daniel Caron, a 62-year-old Street Help resident, said he was struggling with a drug addiction before he was invited in for a coffee at the centre. He said this changed his life.

“I came in for a coffee, they put food in front of me and gave me clothes. It is a good place.  It keeps you from drinking or doing drugs,” said Caron. 

Some say it is their safe haven and staff at Street Help said they need more volunteers so they can continue what they do at the centre. Those interested in helping Street Help by donating items or time can visit Street Help or call 519-977-9200 from 9 a.m. to 6 a.m. Monday to Friday.