Arctic air that is expected to keep London in the deep freeze into the new year is already taking a toll on the city's homeless population.
Mission Services of London's emergency shelters are nearing capacity as the city's homeless seek refuge from temperatures that, when coupled with brisk winds, feel like -25 C.
"In the winter months it is not unusual for us to be running more than 90% occupancy in our shelters," said Mission spokesperson Ericka Ayala Ronson. "As a matter of fact, in November alone our emergency beds at the Men's Mission, just one of our branches, were at 98% occupancy already."
During cold snaps, the Men's Mission and Rotholme Women's and Family Shelter, both of which are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, fill to the point where cots are needed to handle the increased demand. The Men's Mission alone has a total of 146 beds, 111 of which are emergency shelter beds.
While frigid weather takes its toll on everyone, Ayala Ronson points out it is particularly hard on those living on the streets.
"They are often underdressed or not appropriately dressed for the weather," said Ayala Ronson. "There is also an extended or prolonged exposure to the elements and there might also be compromised immune systems and pre-existing conditions that make it very difficult for someone who is sleeping rough to cope in this kind of weather."
Londoners are encouraged to drop off donations of waterproof gloves and mittens, winter coats, snow pants, and sleeping bags to the Men's Mission at 459 York St. or to Mission Services administration office at 797 York St. All donated items will be distributed as quickly as possible to those in need.
Ayala Ronson says showing basic human compassion, through something as simple as a smile, can also have positive benefits for the city's homeless.
"Something that people don't often think of in terms of how this cold weather can affect our neighbours in need is loneliness and low spirits at this time of year," said Ayala Ronson. "One very simple and yet important way that our community can help is to acknowledge our neighbours in need. Just a hello and a warm look can go a long way to brighten someone's day."
