Downtown Mission executive director spending 24 hours on the street

In an effort to shed light on the struggle of Windsor's homeless, the executive director of the Downtown Mission is living the next 24 hours as if he were homeless.

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Ron Dunnwill besittingon a bench outsidethe mission's new facility on Ouellette Avenue. He'll also be sleeping on the streets.

"I want to get a feel for what it's like to be in the shoes of those that I serve, and to give myself a little bit of a vision about what it might be like for others if the Mission wasn't there", said Dunn during an interview with Windsor Morning host Tony Doucette.

Dunn admits he is nervous about sleeping outside, but he said he'sprepared.He will be sleeping in a tent plansto wear layers as temperatures are set to dip down to three degrees tonight.

"I want to understand what it's like," he explained. "I want the people who I represent to know I'm right there with them."

Directorhoping for donations

Dunn is also looking to raise awareness for the work the mission does and raisemoney for its matching gift campaign.

The organization has raised $600,000 of thier$1-million goal. Dunnhas until Oct. 31to collect the remaining $400,000, which will be matched by a local philanthropist.

"We've done very well. The community has stepped up but now I just need to drive us home and get us that last $400,000," he added.

The money raised will help fund some of the mission's services and go towards the goal of opening afree dental clinic.

Dunn is inviting anyone to come and sit with him for a few minutes to talk about the mission's work. He's expecting visits from the police chief and possibly the mayor.

"It's about having a general conversation with whoever will give me five minutes".