Downtown Mission faces staffing, funding issues as more people look for shelter - Action News
Home WebMail Tuesday, November 26, 2024, 10:37 AM | Calgary | -16.2°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
Windsor

Downtown Mission faces staffing, funding issues as more people look for shelter

The Downtown Mission in Windsor, Ont., is struggling to keep an eye on all the people needing a warm bed, as the organization lacks staff and may lose its federalfunding.

Most years see 1,800 volunteers at the shelter. This year they're down to about 400

Rukshini Ponniah-Goulin, interim director of the Downton Mission, said some people have been turned away due to increased demand of services. (Stacey Janzer/CBC)

The Downtown Mission in Windsor, Ont.,is struggling to keep an eye on all the people needing a warm bed, as the organization lacks staff and may lose its federal funding.

The federal funding, provided through the City of Windsor, made it possible to open space on the shelter's second floor to allow for social distancing during the pandemic, but it's expected to end March 31.

Currently, Downtown Mission has room for 80 overnight guests, down from the pre-COVID-19 number of 103. That requires more staff.

"It is now 80 people who are needing more time, and support and energy," saidinterim executive director Rukshini Ponniah-Goulin, adding that staff have to enforce COVID-19 safety measures at the shelter.

There area variety of reasons the shelter has seen less staff, mostly due to the pandemic. Those who have stayed on are feeling burntout.

"It's pretty scary to say the least because we are at an all-time high in terms of service needs," saidPonniah-Goulin.

"We're not the only one, other shelters in the area are at capacity almost every night."

Because of an increased demand for shelter, some people have been turned away.

On top of staffing shortages, the mission needs volunteers.

"Before the pandemic, there were more than 1,800 volunteers any given year, but they are now down to about 400. These are people working in the kitchen orwarehouse," saidPonniah-Goulin.

"Many are still afraid and rightfully so ... we understand that and we're doing the best we can with the volunteers we have."

Ponniah-Goulinsaid the city has been a great partner, offering personal protective equipment and cleaning materials to the shelter.

For now, the shelter is looking for volunteers to help sort through the increased food donations being received this time of year.

Add some good to your morning and evening.

Start the day smarter. Get the CBC News Morning Brief, the essential news you need delivered to your inbox.

...

The next issue of CBC News Morning Brief will soon be in your inbox.

Discover all CBC newsletters in theSubscription Centre.opens new window

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.