Homeless Centre Still In Need

Even though Windsor's Street Help Homeless Centre is receiving plenty of donated items this holiday season, they're always in need -- especially for cash. Administrator Christine Wilson-Furlonger says the centre relies only on community donations to pay for rent and utilities. "We're, in numbers, a very small organization in that for only $82,000 we provide all of our services throughout an entire year," says Wilson-Furlonger. "We compare that to other agencies out there that are in the millions, but they're the agencies with the big advertising budgets so people hear about them first." She says it's always heartwarming to see large donations come in around Christmas to help the 200 homeless people each day. "Without us they wouldn't have that at all. We have the only breakfast program for the homeless in Windsor," says Wilson-Furlonger. "We are also the only program that gives out the sleeping bags. Ours is the only food bank for the homeless and most food banks weren't designed to be giving out to people who don't have a residence. So, our food bank is a crucial need for a lot of people." Wilson-Furlonger says everyone at the shelter is a volunteer so all money donated goes directly to help the homeless.