Out of the Cold consistently operating over capacity
Posted Dec 10, 2013 02:17:12 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Monday night saw temperatures drop well below zero with more extremely chilly weather on the way.
We may have the option of turning up the heat in our homes but many throughout the Region do not.
Only a month into the program, Out of the Cold has already seen a ten percent increase in people needing overnight accommodation.
Site Coordinator at Trinity United Church in Kitchener, Dennis Watson tells 570 News that whether it’s -2°C or -20°C, all of the eleven sites are consistently at over capacity.
“As far as our numbers sky-rocketing…they’ve been high since day one.”
Watson adds the number of mature women needing access to the program has dramatically increased. He says one site reported a 60% increase in these females compared to last year.
“We’re still feeding huge numbers and still sleeping huge numbers so nothing seems to have improved in society as far as alleviating poverty and homelessness.”
All the help, donations and volunteers certainly don’t go unnoticed though.
“All of the sites are most grateful for community support…the community has stepped forward in all kinds of all ways…whether its food, toiletries, clothing…I say thank you on behalf of all 11 sites.”
Information on how to volunteer and/or donate can be found here.
