A new resource is coming to Bradford starting in November to help those in need of shelter during the winter months.
Shelter space is an emerging need in the Bradford community. A café, “Out of the Cold” will be open during the winter season from Nov. 1 until April 30 providing free shelter during the day-time to those needing retreat from the colder weather.
Organized by Jodi Greenstreet, co-founder of CrossTrainers Canada and creator of WOW Living Ministries, the café will be located in the lower level of the CrossTrainer’s building where A Hand Up clothing room and the Hub are located (31 Frederick St. Bradford) and will be providing free coffee, tea, snacks and lunches, connection, and most importantly, warmth.
“It’s really expensive to be homeless during the winter," explains Greenstreet. “Local shelters state they need somewhere for these homeless people to go during the day… the homeless must buy a coffee to get indoors where it’s warm."
The café will be open to the public seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will have lunches sponsored by volunteers. They are still looking for corporate sponsors to help keep the program running for the remainder of the winter months.
“We’re looking for more corporate sponsors to help out with the lunches and more volunteers for shifts at the café," states Greenstreet, adding that shift options would be from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
"Consistency is key with connection and building relationships so ideally if we could find someone to commit to once a week plus a sub, this would be great."
Greenstreet spent months talking with members of the community who were unable to work due to mental or physical challenges, and thus unable to find stable living conditions with the funds granted from ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) or OW (Ontario Works).
“I’ve had the gift, especially over the last few months with COVID, to spend more time with some friends that live in poverty. They’re on OW, ODSP and we’ve had long hours at the community centre where we were handing out lunches, to just talk and get to know each other more… and I wanted everybody to hear their stories."
With help from friends, Greenstreet had a video created highlighting the issues homeless people face each day, capturing the different living scenarios Bradford residents struggle with and the reasons behind their strives.
“I feel like it’s important for anyone facing the homeless issue," expresses Aiden, a homeless friend of Greenstreet who was living out of a tent and unable to find affordable housing before eventually finding a house to rent in Bradford. “If [people] could just have a stable place and take their mind out of survival mode, then they can have their life back."
On average, the cost to rent a single room in Bradford is $650, while the cost to rent a single-bedroom apartment starts at $1400/month. The maximum allowed amount from Ontario Works is $722.
“People steal, or deal drugs, or prostitute themselves to survive,” states Aiden. “There’s no way to live healthy or eat right and live on what they give you – it’s impossible."
Currently, the town of Bradford has resources such as the Helping Hand Food Bank (but requires a physical address to register), A Hand Up clothing room (free donated clothing for the public), and since COVID, the town now offers a community shower located at the old Bradford Community Centre.
“It’s the only place in all of Simcoe County where someone can get a free shower,” adds Greenstreet. “Once [the town] was aware of the need, they came through."
Training for volunteer positions at the café will commence in October and anyone interested can contact Patti LaRose with CrossTrainers Canada by email at: [email protected]
To donate or support the new café, contact Jodi or Patti at [email protected] and a tax receipt can also be provided.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNmcD5tp5lE&ab_channel=Mr.LWest
