The Warming Shelter in Downtown Simcoe has kept a lot of people out of the cold since opening a month ago.
The was Virginia Lucas from Church Out Serving, talking to us at First Baptist Church at the corner of Young and Talbot Street.
We walked around the large and warm basement area, looking at the set up that is ready for anyone who needs to get out of the cold.
Lockers are available when you first walk in the door, then you go downstairs where you’ll find more than just a bed waiting for you.
One of those changes she talked about was someone talking about wanting to reconnect with a family member and the hope of getting a permanent roof over their head in the near future.
As Lucas said, they have activities and other items available to those who use the warming shelter to make it more than just a place to sleep.
You’ll notice a rack of winter coats and boats waiting for people to take if they need it.
From the start, it was important to make sure these individuals were cared for – and that includes a warm meal and a friendly face.
They have beds set up, divided for men and woman, and even a separate room put aside for a family that may be in need so they can stay together and have some form of privacy.
Their hope is to be ready for anyone who may walk through the door.
This program is run by paid staff and a wide range of volunteers.
With that, they can also use more volunteers – which they will train.
It is overnight shifts but it can be split up to either an 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. block or 2 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. shift.
Donations are also accepted with that money mainly going towards keeping the kitchen well stocked.
If interested in volunteering or donating, you can contact Church Out Serving.
Below are some photos of the warming shelter.
The entrance into the shelter, located in the basement at First Baptist.
Kitchen area, filled with freezer meals and coffee.
Craft and creative area along with a spot to watch television.
Sleeping area for men.
Sleeping area for women.
