posted by Jordon |
January 17, 2012 11:02
Like the rest of you, the Lighthouse has been hit by the cold as well. The cold affects Saskatoon's homeless population especially hard and to help deal with it we take some extra steps to make sure our residents are comfortable.
For us, it starts with breakfast. Wilfred Brimley would be proud as the day around the Lighthouse starts with some porridge and a hearty breakfast. While food portions are always generous at the Lighthouse, we make sure that our residents have access to a breakfast that will stay with them throughout the morning.
Our common areas stay open. We want to make sure that people that don't need to go outside (many of the residents work and are off to work) can stay comfortable inside. Our lounge features comfortable sofas, a big screen television, and places to read and ride out the cold snap.
For those that do have to head out, we want to make sure they are warmly dressed. We have a room where donations are sorted and given out daily. The Lighthouse can always use warm jackets, toques, winter gloves, and boots. They are given away to our residents for free and make a big difference for our shelter clients who often come into the Lighthouse with only the clothes on their backs. (donations can be dropped off anytime at 304 2nd Avenue South).
For our long term residents when they come home, they go to their own room and each room has their own bathroom and bathtub/shower. While it isn't a spa, it is their own space and it is warm.
While number of homeless generally stabilize or decrease during cold snaps such as this, the Lighthouse would open up extra capacity and take additional steps to ensure that no one would be left out in the cold during weather like this.
The Lighthouse can't do this alone. If you are interested in volunteering or giving a donation, your help in making a difference in the lives of Saskatoon's homeless is greatly appreciated.