Street Help in Windsor offers vital services to those in need

Windsorites who are enduring financial hardships have a safe place at Street Help to access  services, such as help with basic needs, employment and other necessities for living.

Christine Furlonger, the manager of Street Help, has been working to help make the city a better place for those who are down on their luck.

Furlonger volunteered at shelters across the province and settled in Windsor where she volunteered with the homeless. She was eventually approached by social workers with the suggestion that she start her own organization here.

That is exactly what she did, more than 17 years ago.

“I was a homeless person myself at a young age but I eventually pulled myself out,” said Furlonger. “I then observed and volunteered at shelters across Ontario to learn how they operate.”

Clients volunteering time in exchange for services, food and other necessities play a big role in Street Help’s operations.

Anthony Nelson, a Street Help volunteer and worker from Windsor, said he enjoys giving back to the organization on a regular basis.

“I mostly wash dishes here at Street Help but I also answer questions, and tell people who come in what we offer here,” said Nelson

Street Help has no regular paid staff and operates solely with the help of volunteers and patrons that give their time to maintain the daily operations.

Donations of time, food, gently used clothing and money are the resources Street Help relies on to help the community in which it serves.

Located at 964 Wyandotte Street East in Windsor, Street Help is open every day of the year.