Local shelters concerned as winter weather approaches

The fall months are hectic in many community shelters around Windsor-Essex, according to volunteers. Harsh, below-freezing temperatures during the winter make it nearly impossible for someone without proper shelter to survive outdoors. Shelters all over the county are preparing themselves for another dark winter.

Homeless centres provide a service to those in the community who are in need of support. They provide a warm, place to spend the night and some even offer free hot showers. According to one volunteer at Downtown Mission of Windsor, this is a beneficial service but not always an option for some members in the homeless community.

“We provide lots of essential services to people in need, but there’s only so much we can do with our limited space and resources,” said Mitchell Blain, who has spent the last six years volunteering at three different shelters around Windsor.

“We operate on a first come, first served basis and the unfortunate part about that is as we approach December, the weather outside is going to get harsher,” Blain said. “As we get closer to that point, the more people will need to have appropriate shelter for them or their family.” Blain said.

Another service Windsor-Essex shelters offer to serve the community are the many local food banks around the city. Here people can drop off non-perishable food items for people and families in need. Some of these food bank locations are the Downtown Mission of Windsor, Street Help Windsor and the Salvation Army.

“My family has been donating to the Windsor food bank since as long as I can remember, it is a great way for us to give back to people who need a helping hand,” said Windsor resident Jesse Bradt when asked why he would tell others to donate.

“My best recommendation would be to just keep an eye out, anyone that is wanting to make a slight difference, see if there are any donation spots close to you,” said Bradt. “See if there is a local can drive that you can donate to.”

The Downtown Mission of Windsor provides three hot meals a day through its food bank program at 875 Ouellette Ave. and highly encourages the public to make donations when they can to help families in need. To donate call 519-973-5573 or drop by with non-perishable food items.