Kingston Street Mission (KSM), in partnership with Lionhearts Inc., is opening a warming shelter on Jan. 6 at Stages Night Club.
“There is a significant need in the evenings for respite during the winter months, and meeting that need is especially difficult due to lockdown requirements,” says Marilyn McLean, Executive Director, KSM. “This year, due to social distancing requirements, we were unable to open in our usual location provided by St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.”
That’s where Lionhearts was able to help. The two organizations have had a close relationship for years and decided to leverage that partnership to co-locate KSM’s warming shelter with Lionhearts’ COVID-19 Street Project.
The shelter will be open Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday evenings from 8 to 11 p.m. Maximum capacity will be 46 guests.
All relevant COVID-19 public health protocols will be followed in the warming shelter. This includes mandatory mask wearing, proper hand hygiene, social distancing, and advanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Masks and hand sanitizer will be supplied at the shelter.
“The shelter will offer respite from the cold and give people access to washrooms, hot drinks, nutritious pre-packaged snacks, and hygiene supplies like soap, wash clothes, deodorant, feminine protection, toothbrushes and toothpaste, toilet paper, and lip balm,” says Travis Blackmore, Executive Director, Lionhearts Inc. “Warm winter clothing is also available such as coats, toques, gloves, fresh socks, and warm blankets. We will also provide referrals to other emergency relief programs and shelters if needed.”
This essential community service is being made possible through the continued partnership of Stages Night Club, and the United Way KFL&A whose coat drives this fall have filled the closets with winter coats.
Kingston Street Mission and Lionhearts continue to seek assistance with the costs of providing food and hygiene supplies. Visit lionhearts.ca or kingstonstreetmission.webs.com for donation information.
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