Although March was the official end of our Winter Outreach Ministry, winter had not yet let go. Many days and night snowed and were well below freezing even during the day. We had collected a number of bins filled with socks, coats, winter hats, gloves and blankets which we knew needed to be handed out even in April. So we hit the streets for about 30th time of the winter handing out winter wear, hats, gloves socks, coats and more with the food cards hoping to help many in need. Alot of the days were still finding it hard to get to zero degrees even by late April and many of the homeless were tired and weary of the winter. By now I would estimate that most of the homeless went through 20-30 sets of clothing, and 30-40 sleeping bags and blanket each in just over two or three months.
As the month ended, we were glad to start to see the end to at least the extreme cold air that dominated the city for the last number of months. This would be our longest season of distribution. We had been out giving out winter items to the homeless now for over 4 long months, a record by any standard.
Most organizations had already retired the winter distribution due to lack of items being available so late in the season. But we continued to put out the word on Facebook and clothing and blankets still came in.
We were extremely grateful to a small team that helped us during the early part of April. Special thanks to Rod Parker, and Ron Faller for coming with key supplies in hand and helping us hand out vitally needed item to the homeless during a very cold weekend I might add.
As well we thank Reapers in the Rain International for allowing us to partner with one of their key volunteers during this outreach.
By early May the cold weather had broken and most nights were above zero, and our shift will go from winter coats to summer sandals in a matter of three weeks.
The water distribution season for those living on the streets was about the begin, BRING ON SUMMER!!!!
