Windsor's Downtown Mission is trying to keep up with holiday season demand.
The Mission, which provides food support, wellness services and a distress centre for those experiencing poverty and homelessness, is trying to handle the increased demand that comes with winter weather. The demand is also compounded by the holiday season, where depression becomes a factor.
Ron Dunn, the executive director of the Mission, says he is aware of how difficult the holiday season can be for some and the Mission is addressing it.
"Christmas can be a tough time for some folks," says Dunn. "A lot of depression and things at Christmastime. So, we're asking for people to be a little more kinder and a little gentler than they may be during the rest of the year, and just love one another. It's Christmastime after all."
Dunn says the Mission already has initiatives in place to help those less fortunate cope with the loneliness that often comes with the holidays. The Mission carried on a 45-year-old tradition last week when it hosted a Christmas party for the community. Before Thanksgiving, a local business owner donated turkeys.
Homelessness certainly isn't new in Canada. According to a 2013 paper on homelessness in Canada by the Homeless Hub Paper Series and the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, roughly 200,000 Canadians experience homelessness each year, with 30,000 Canadians experiencing it on a given night.
Area shelters such as the Welcome Centre for Women and Hiatus House are experiencing capacity. Dunn says the Mission's resources are also being stretched, however, they do whatever it takes to keep people from being turned away.
"We serve 726 meals a day on average. That's a big number," says Dunn. "Our kitchen was built to serve 100. And just for lunch, 200, 250, 300 almost every day, so it's a task. Though we're up to it, we're up to the challenge."
The holiday season is a stressful and busy time for most people with work commitments clashing with shopping and entertaining, though homeless people experience stress at this time of year due to the fact that they are alone or not communicating with family members. Dunn says that should not mean these people need to be unhappy at Christmastime.
"Everybody deserves and needs and desires Christmas," says Dunn. "Whether you're experiencing homelessness or poverty, or if you're sitting in a very fancy home right now, we should all be thankful and just appreciate the time that it is."
The Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta has prepared a series of tips for people to handle holiday stress.
Visit the Downtown Mission's website to learn about their programs, outreach and how to help.
