Homeless, Downtown Mission and community groups prepare for cold weekend

This weekend is going to be a cold one in Windsor and the Downtown Mission reminds people that their doors will be open.

Rukshini Ponniah-Goulin, director of development at Downtown Mission, said they will not turn people away even if their 103 beds are all taken.

"Even if we do have to get those mats out and have people sleep in rooms on mats, we're going to have at least a safe, warm place for people to sleep," she said.

Environment Canada expects the snow to begin Friday night and continue throughout the weekend. Winds will be gusting up to 60 km/h Saturday and at night it's expected to fall to 24C with the wind chill.

Chris Reed, a man from Tennessee with precarious housing access, said he's still not used to the cold Canadian winters. And when it gets to that low in the negatives, "there's only so much you can do to prepare," he said.

Some ways to keep warm, he said, include heading to the library, hanging out at the mission or anywhere where there is a heater in the building.

"If you can't get access to one of those, a recycle bin works good," said Reed. "I'm really good at finding a positive in a negative situation. I always find something to laugh about, that helps a little bit."

The Downtown Mission is open 24 hours a day with a number of programs and services. For people seeking shelter, 875 Ouellette Avenue is open at 9 p.m., however, some people will begin lining up at around 8:30 p.m.

The mission will also have hot meals and activities for people at 664 Victoria Avenue from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

'Make sure you find something safe and warm'

6 years ago

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Lisa Whitehead and Greg Lemay drive around Windsor to reach the homeless.

Ponniah-Goulin said this year the mission is continuing their partnership with local Tim Hortons franchises. If people can't get to the mission, they can visit a Tim Hortons and staff there will contact the mission for assistance.

On Friday, community groups, businesses and Windsorites joined hands to give out clothing and food.

There's still hope

A group called Families Stop the Harm was part of the action.

It's a new group pushing for sanctioned overdose prevention sites in the city and they hope to work closely with city hall and health care professionals to make it happen.

Lisa Whitehead, the administrator, is doing this outreach work from a place of understanding.

Years ago, she was homeless, and she also battled drug addiction.

"I remember walking by people's houses, and thinking, wow, it'd be so nice to have a family home, a nice home like that," said Whitehead.

Now, she does have a home like that. Whitehead wants people to know that there is still hope and it is possible for them to live a better life.

And to make a change, she said people need to come together.

"I know what it feels like to feel alone. And just to have one person smile to you that day, give you a warm blanket and maybe a coffee, that can mean a lot to that person."