A group of volunteers are doing their part to make sure Thunder Bay’s homeless have something to eat, drink and get some social interaction.
McKellar Ward’s councillor Brian Hamilton tells us it’s important to help people feel a part of the community, so they can take steps to get past their current situations.
“Getting signed up for OW (Ontario Works), or getting an ID, you know, basic stuff we take for granted, that it’s kind of an uphill battle for people who are dis-enfranchised. People don’t have watches or phones to get to appointments.”
The city councillor adds every person has individual issues that need to be addressed.
“What we’re doing down here, and the function and utility of this is just to kind of be supportive, and to give that under current of support and care that all of us just kind of take for granted in our privileged society.”
The city councillor acknowledges this may not lift someone from homelessness, but it’s a step to making someone feel more included and better about themselves.
And, Ashlee Burton, from Giant Hearts, tells us there’s definitely a need after walking along Cumberland Street earlier this week.
“I think more people are starting to really see the city is in a little bit of a crisis here. And, everybody wants to do their part and jump in and help where they can. One group doing everything is never going to be enough.”
The Giant Hearts group also does a cleanup, as well as spend time with the homeless hearing their stories.
And, can’t forget the efforts of Jim Stadey, who’s been offering pizza and raising money.
Brian Hamilton has been doing this for over a year, contributing free sandwiches and coffee, while Jim Stadey and Ashlee Burton joined forces with Brian about 3 months ago.
