A new warming centre in Wallaceburg is looking for support from the community.
Spokesperson Darla Ouellette says the James Street Drop-In Centre at James Street United Church runs Friday through Monday, 2-6pm.
“Anyone is welcome, you just come to the door, come on in,” Ouellette says. “The sign in consists basically of just giving a first name and a reason why they came in. We want to make sure they have a warm place to stay.”
Patrons are provided with a warm meal and any additional clothing they may need.
Staff are also on hand to help organize overnight accommodations, if necessary. Ouellette says for now overnight stays at the drop-in centre itself will only be available if the temperature reaches -30.
Organizers are looking for donations to help those in need during the cold winter months.
“Warm clothing, any canned goods or dry food, hats, boots, hygiene products, or blankets,” Ouellette says. “A lot of people have been bringing in hand warmers or feet warmers, those are really nice to be able to hand out too.”
The drop-in centre is looking for volunteers. Anyone who would like to help is asked to stop by the centre during operating hours.
The program is a partnership between the United Way, ROCK Missions, and the Ska:na Family Learning Centre.