Cold snap has Downtown Mission offering extend hours

The sudden cold snap has forced the Downtown Mission of Windsor to extend its hours.

Windsor nearly set a record low Tuesday, with temperatues falling to -11 C.

The Downtown Mission normally closes at 3 p.m. It will stay open until 9 p.m., close for an hour, and then open to allow those who need a place to sleep to stay overnight.

The Mission can accommodate about 25 people per night.

“The cold snuck up on us a little bit, it came a little bit earlier than what we normally anticipate,” said Ron Dunn, who speaks for the Mission. “This is the earliest [we’ve opened] in recent memory, for sure. There aren’t a lot places for people to go.”

The cold is expected to linger through the week.

“If it wasn’t for this place, I’d be sleeping outside. Where am I going to go sit? I’m homeless. I have no money,” said Rob Misener. “Sometimes you’re cold and you have to sit outside and wait to get in, but they’re here for you.”

Dunn said the mission normally serves lunch for 230 people on a daily basis. About 100 people use the extended hours until 9 p.m. and 25 spend the night.

Individuals are given bedding items and a mat to sleep on. There is a shower facility to accommodate anyone needing a shower, with towels, shampoo and soap provided.

“We encourage anyone in need to come down,” he said.

Over at the Men United For God, an agency that provides for the less fortunate, Daniel Quigley was praising the efforts of Windsor’s charitable organizations.

“A lot of people struggle in this area so it’s good we have a lot of help out here,” he said. “I just got help with jackets from Coats For Kids. Everyone needs to be warm.”