Temperatures Drop Dangerously, Homeless Shelters Seek Coffee Donations

Old Man Winter has several Canadian provinces in his grasp. Temperatures have plummeted to dangerous lows in recent days, causing power outages and burst water mains and putting some of the country's most vulnerable people at increased risk. Homeless shelters and groups that serve adults or youth risk have stepped up services in an effort to keep people inside where it's warm until the cold snap is over. But in some shelters the cold weather has meant that even simple things like a hot cup of coffee need to be rationed. Coffee has now been placed on the list of priority cold weather donations, along with items such as warm outdoor clothes and sleeping gear.

Temperatures in parts of Quebec have reached as low as minus 48 Celsius, taking the wind chill factor into account. When we were left without electricity for several hours this week my family had to cope indoors with an absence of heating, a brief experience that put me in mind of the more severe conditions we endured when an ice storm knocked out power to several Canadian provinces and the US eastern seaboard in 1998. Even through that earlier, more prolonged ordeal we knew we were fortunate to be inside. People who have no home regularly brave the elements with little to no protection. The sad deaths of homeless people outdoors in extreme cold weather remind us all to count our blessings.

Montreal's Old Brewery Mission, Welcome Hall Mission, and St. Michael's Mission have recently seen a 20 percent increase in the demand for a hot coffee. These shelters and day centers together serve well over 2,000 cups of coffee every day to homeless people looking for a hot meal and a place to stay warm. With weather so cold that Hydro Quebec has appealed to the public to curb electrical use during peak hours, people are lining up in front of the missions in groups as large as 100 before the facilities open for the day.

Quebec-based Van Houtte Inc. donates the equivalent of 184,000 cups of coffee a year to the Old Brewery Mission, but more donations are required if the missions are to meet their current needs. The Old Brewery Mission has cut the end of the evening coffee service in its emergency shelter, just to keep up with demand during the daytime hours. Shelters are asking the public to donate coffee if they can. Other high priority donations at this time of the year are warm gloves or mittens, tuques, socks and underwear, ski pants, and winter sleeping bags.

Montreal Groups Serving Homeless People
If you need help in the Montreal area, or would like to make a donation or volunteer your time, you can start by contacting one of these community groups.
Dans La Rue
Father Emmett Johns - affectionately known as Pops - is best known for The Van that travels Montreal at night reaching out to street kids. But Pops also offers a day center and emergency shelter for street kids, as well as a number of programs to help kids at risk.
Old Brewery Mission
Probably Montreal's best largest and best known network of services for the homeless. These folks offer emergency shelter for both men and women, as well as a number of outreach and transition services.
Welcome Hall Mission
Offers emergency shelter for men, as well as a number of outreach services for families and youth.
St. Michael's Mission
The "Red Roof" offers hot meals and a warm atmosphere through its day center, and can help with immigration, welfare, mental health, job training and a number of other needs.

More Ways to Make a Difference for People at Risk
Moisson Montréal
Canada's largest food bank, supplying both perishable and non-perishable foods to other food banks throughout the Montreal area. The aim is mainly to recuperate surplus foodstuffs, that would otherwise be thrown away.
Raising the Roof Tuque Campaign
Need a winter hat? Buy a tuque and help these good folks support the estimated 65,000 homeless youth across Canada. Warm your head and your heart too!

Sources:
Monique Beaudin, "Hydro-Québec asks customers to reduce consumption during cold snap." Montreal Gazette

Cheryl Cornacchia, "'Hot cup of coffee warms the soul'." Montreal Gazette

"Deep freeze persists across Central, Eastern Canada." CTV News