Interim shelter to be housed at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kitchener
Global News
A new interim overnight shelter, which has been set up at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kitchener, Ont., is able to host up to 50 unhoused people nightly this winter.
Waterloo Region says an interim overnight shelter will be set up at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kitchener this winter for those experiencing homelessness.
The new shelter, which was launched on Sunday in a multi-purpose area of the church, will host up to 50 people.
It came about through a partnership between St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, The Working Centre and the region.
“This is a vital project that provides a seven day a week evening shelter that combines staffing and community volunteers,” Working Centre’s director Joe Mancini stated.
The new facility will be staffed by employees of the Working Centre with volunteers helping with meal services, cleanup and sorting donations.
The church has issued an appeal for fully-vaccinated volunteers. Anyone wishing to help is asked to email shelter@standrewskw.com.
They are also appealing for warm winter clothing and blankets with pickup and dropoff being arranged through the same email address.
The region says the new shelter is an interim step in dealing with a recent rise in long-term homelessness in the area.