Urgent need for donations during extreme cold: Downtown Mission

The Downtown Mission, Windsor, November 26, 2024 (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)

The Downtown Mission is issuing an urgent plea for donations to help protect people experiencing homelessness during extreme cold weather.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has issued a cold warning for the region on Friday.

The mission is preparing for a significant increase in demand for emergency services as temperatures are forecast to plunge to –27°C or colder.

Extreme cold poses serious and often life‑threatening risks for people experiencing homelessness and poverty. In response, the mission is activating its cold weather response plans and working closely with community partners to ensure that individuals in need have a safe, warm place to go during the coldest days and nights.

“When temperatures drop this low, the need for warm meals, safe spaces, and human support rises sharply,” said Rukshini Ponniah‑Goulin, executive director of The Downtown Mission of Windsor. “We are preparing to support more unhoused individuals and working collaboratively with our partners to meet this increased need—but we can’t do it without community support.”

The anticipated weather conditions place additional strain on mission operations, increasing the need for:

• Additional food and meal supplies
• Winter essentials and hygiene items
• Enhanced cleaning and sanitation
• Additional staffing to safely support increased demand
• Higher utility and operational costs

During periods of extreme cold, the mission often serves hundreds of additional meals per day and sees a sharp rise in the number of people seeking warmth, nourishment, and support.

Call to Action

The Downtown Mission of Windsor is issuing a call to the community to help offset the unexpected and increased costs associated with extreme cold weather response efforts. Financial donations provide the greatest flexibility and allow staff to respond in real time to changing needs.

Donations can be made online