These shelter volunteers' lived experiences push them to help others this winter in Thunder Bay, Ont.

Theresa Davey knows what it's like to be out on the streets in Thunder Bay, which is why volunteering at one of the northwestern Ontario city's emergency shelters is more than just a way to give back.

Her son first found Grace Place and told her about the soup and sandwiches served there. So she went, and was able to access free food and clothing.

"I came to Thunder Bay in 2007, and basically I was homeless and I was out in the street," said Davey.

In 2009, she got married at Grace Place, and a few years later, she put her cleaning skills to use and became a full-time volunteer. Davey said the organization has also helped her son, who died in 2014, as well as her daughter in her efforts to "start over." 

"I feel really good at the end of the day that I've been able to do something productive to society," said Davey, who's among the 70 to 80 people who donate their time to keep Grace Place running. "I'm a recovering alcoholic, so this really, really helped me [have] a balanced life."

Located on the city's south side, Grace Place offers lunches Monday through Wednesday, a free clothing store and an Out of the Cold program from October to the end of April.

With the ever-climbing cost of living and increased demands on food banks and shelters to meet rising needs, the pressure's on to keep vulnerable people across Canada safe and healthy this winter.

"We started with 10 loaves of bread and we served a hot soup," said Melody Macsemchuk, co-founder and operations manager of Grace Place, about starting the organization 16 years ago.

"Now, we serve a full meal and we served 90,000 meals last year, and we are noticing an increase during the day."

While the numbers fluctuate depending on the time of the month, the kitchen can serve upwards of 350 to 400 meals every day it's open.

Lunch is served at 1 p.m. and people can either take a meal to go or sit and eat on site. There is also a walk-up window for those who would prefer not to go inside.

Sarah Thompson said Macsemchuk and her husband, Gary, bought her son his first pair of skates.

"[As a] single mother just moving into town, things were difficult, and they helped out," she said.

For the past seven years, she has been volunteering there. She does a little bit of everything, but mostly helps at the dishwashing station.