With temperatures bottoming out around -17 C (1 F) in Windsor-Essex Monday night, the Downtown Mission says demand for all of its programs is up, especially for its Crash Bed Program and Out Of The Cold.
Usually, the mission closes its doors at 4pm, but when the temperatures drop it stays open for those who have nowhere else to go.
The Mission's director of development and community relations is also asking residents to show a little compassion if they see someone outside who looks like they may be struggling in the cold. He says if at all possible, bring that individual to the mission. If it's not possible, call 911.
"You know, we had that death in Toronto a couple of weeks ago of a homeless gentleman," says Ron Dunn, describing how fatal extreme cold can be. "We certainly feel for that man and his family and his loved ones and we don't want to have a repeat of that in our community."
Dunn also says demand at the mission's food bank is up 20% over last year, and more people than ever are taking advantage of the lunch program.
"Five years ago, we would have 120 people for lunch," says Dunn. "And now we're 220 to 235 every day."
