However, if you can bare with me, folks, I have a couple of important updates.
First, our newly opened Christ Cathedral Church on James Street on Saturdays has become so popular that, even though they have planned and executed two dinner seatings in their small 70-seat dining room, it has been decided that another site is needed. McNab Church has graciously offered their facility as another Saturday site which will open sometime in early January if cooks, servers, washers, etc can be recruited. If you are interested in helping on Saturdays or know of other friends and relatives who have the time on Saturdays, please let me know asap or call Sister Carole Anne at the office, 905-308-8447.
Secondly, at a meeting this past Thursday, a member of the Street Outreach Group spoke to our coordinators answering our queries regarding the homeless guests we have served over the years and giving us shelter information. Here’s a brief synopsis. A very, very slight increase in the occupancy of men’s shelters has been recorded since our program started in November. One can assume that some of our guests who normally would come to us once the cold arrives, have entered other shelters instead. Let it be noted that all of the womens’ shelters were and still are running at 100% occupancy. Up to 10 women are being turned away each day.
Sadly, some of the homeless guests with whom we are familiar have refused to enter shelters. Whether it is for fear of these differently run shelters, or neurosis, etc, we are obviously fearful for their survival.
In January, Transitions to Homes, which replaces the Hostels to Homes program allowing shelter guests permanent housing, will now recognize HOOTC as a shelter which will be counted as proof of use and qualify a homeless person for permanent housing.
Therefore, we are re-opening as a shelter starting January 5th. This means that, if you were “temporarily laid-off” from your night set-up job, breakfast job, security companion, laundry job, we need you again! Please, please, please let me know if and when you are able to come back. Of course, you’ll be given a raise, benefits, and angel’s wings.
Have a safe, peaceful Merry Christmas, and fulfilling New Year.
Cindy
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