OUT OF THE COLD X COVID

Staying at home in light of COVID has removed many of us from seeing first hand the compounding impact of the pandemic on GTA's homeless community. When the pandemic first hit, not only were our OOTC guests afraid for their physical health, but they also felt deeply lost as their mental health took a toll with increasing isolation.

As the weather gets colder and the snow begins to fall, we hope that our sisters and brothers in need of shelter are staying safe.

While Vaughan Community Church, unfortunately, will not be hosting the program this season, we continue our commitment and heart to serve the homeless community in the area. We will be helping to provide volunteers for the Out of the Cold Program with Mosaic Interfaith.

This program by Blue Door offers overnight emergency housing during the cold months from OCTOBER to JUNE. Our volunteers will be helping out on Sunday Nights at Holy Trinity Anglican Church (located at 140 Brooke Street, Thornhill). 

Volunteers are needed for various shifts starting 4pm to 7pm to help set-up, serve dinner, and watch over the clothing table as well as Monday morning Breakfast service for 5:30am to 7am.

For more information or to sign-up please reach out to Matthew or Julie.

These are our brothers and sisters Part Two

POEM BY JUDY AN (Dec 2021)

The Covid Years John, 62 years old, has cancer.

Jane, 48, first lost her job, then her home.

Dereck, 35, is angry and alone.

Chin, 59, has crutches and lots of ideas on political conspiracies.

Lacey, 56, cannot speak, but knits a never-ending pastel pink and blue scarf.

Will, 49, and Rachel, 69, son and mother, look out for each other.

These are our brothers and sisters

With a sudden and silent pandemic wave

Shelters have shuttered, and fear rules all

Leaving many on waitlists for rooms

Walking in circles, treading old paths and new

Looking for safe spaces, safe hands, safe eyes

These are our brothers and sisters

No food, no shelter, no jackets, no boots

No family, no friends, no neighbours who know

All tired of trying to connect, to commit, to stand, to speak

Only their eyes tell their story

Their life lights low, but still unquenched

These are our brothers and sisters

Come join us in raising funds for Out of the Cold to support our brothers and sisters.

Stay tuned as we share more ways to get involved over the holiday season!!