Windsor shelters prepare for more use as temps drop

Environment Canadais predicting below freezing temperatures in the next week. The colder weather has emergency shelters preparingfor a rise in usage.

The Downtown Mission's director, Ron Dunn, said they'realways ready to welcome guests to the mission. But in the last month, five out of seven nights there has been more need than beds available. The mission expanded its shelter from 74 to 103 beds, but it still isn't enough.

"We need another 20 or 30 beds to meet the current demand" said Dunn.

• Downtown Mission increasing number of beds in response to 'unprecedented' demand

The continual rise in need also means food donations run out fast. Food given during December would normally last until June, but Dunn said they're lucky if the donations last until the end of March.

"The need is outpacing the donations," he said.

The food bank is visited by 1,100 people monthly. The 20-year-olddining hall was meant to accommodate 100 people, but on average they serve 726 meals a day.

"The need is just increasing everyday," said Dunn. "We want to be here for as many people as we need to be."

The mission is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

There are some other places in the city people needing some shelter can go to, including the Women's Welcome Centre, The Salvation Army and Street Help.

But the mission is the only drop-in centrein the city for women, youth and families, so Dunn wants to encourage anyone in need to stop in.

"It's a genuine offer. There's no cost to be here," he said. "Stay as long as you need to."