Summer was very hot and we made it intentional to get out and hand out Summer hats, and some protective wear for the homeless to help them block the sun. We partnered with the Bargains Group to hand out over 400 bottles of water to the homeless all across the downtown core.
February was the start of the Winter Survival Kit distribution- winter kits that included sleeping bags, blankets, food, socks, hats, gloves, and water were handed out. We were able to partner with the Engage and Change Program to get out over 50 winter ktis during alot of the extreme cold alert days and nights in downtown Toronto.
Its been a really tough Spring for Toronto's homeless. With the extreme cold and now suddenly the extreme heat all in one month. To make things worse we have a shelter crisis on hand. There are 10-20 Refugees entering our city borders daily seeking asylum.
It was indeed a very cold winter for those that live on the streets in downtown Toronto. With many donations of coats, winter wear and clothing we hit the streets weekly handing out the vitally needed items that the homeless need to survive the cold weather.
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.
December is gone and we are ever grateful to God for all that he used us to do throughout 2017. It has been for the most part very cold, and the number of those living outside has largely increased. To date we have handed out over 50 blankets and sleeping bags and over 100 food cards for meals.
March was another month that had an abundance of extreme cold days and nights. With clothing in hand and winter kits and food cards we went out day after day to hand out items most needed for those living on the streets in downtown Toronto.
Well November has started as October ended, wet and cold. The need for clothing has been vital and many homeless people ask each time they see us for items to wear. Early in the month we started to receive many large bags of clothing just in time for the cold weather ahead.
September has passed and we are seeing a lot more colder weather. Many street people are in need of items for the colder weather much earlier than last year. So far this fall we have handed out over 50 food cards for meals , socks, hats and gloves and many blankets and sleeping bags.
Well what a Summer it has been. June has come and gone as has the entire Summer and its almost Sept and we have alot to do. June was the wettest on record, for some years. The Homeless have strugglesd to find dry places to live outdoors again this year, with shelters finding no pity for those coming and going.
September was a difficult and wet month for Toronto's homeless. The first few weeks of the month saw cooler weather as with August but double the amount of rain. We hit the streets many days armed with coats and shoes and jackets and even some rain attire to help the homeless wherever we could.
This was an extremely difficult Winter and now Spring for the homeless here in Toronto. We have been told by Toronto Public Health that 27 Homeless people have died in Toronto due to Hep C viruses, freezing to death, or illnessnes that are unnamed. Many died just in the last 3 months alone.