'Beat the Heat in the Streets' program is keeping the homeless hydrated
With these hot, humid dog days of summer upon us, a local group is looking out for those at risk.
“This is totally awesome. This is exactly what we need right now,” says Andrew Ducharme.
Ducharme knows what’s it’s like to be homeless and out of work.
“It’s hard to get some things right now,” says Ducharme.
“A lot of people say, ‘do you have water?’ It’s high need,” says Ashley Shepley.
Windsor Community Connections group have started ‘Beat the Heat in the Streets’ program to keep the homeless community hydrated.
“When I pull up, they almost jump out of their seat and rush to the car,” says Shepley, founder of Windsor Community Connections.
“Everybody looks forward to them coming around. They usually line up,” says Malissa Fram.
The group also distributes food, clothes, shoes and hygiene packs daily.
“We have toothpaste and toothbrushes and soap, full sizes,” says Shepley.
“Grateful. Very grateful. If it wasn’t for people like this a lot of us would be in a lot worse situation than we are right now,” says Fram.
“It felt so good to watch them go from sad to embarrassed to happy and thankful,” says WCC volunteer, Morgan Lapointe.
In order to continue helping the homeless, the group relies on donations from the community.
“We find that we go through shoes quite a bit,” says Shepley.
“It’s mentally challenging and physically challenging obviously. Shoes I never stop walking so I can use these. Every few months I could use a pair,” says Chico Davis who has been living on the street off and on for three years.
A shoe drive is planned this Saturday, July 10 at Average Joe’s on Lauzon Road. You can drop off your new or gently used footwear between 2-6 p.m.
“I really want Windsor to step up and take care of each other. We all have a responsibility, it’s our city. It doesn’t matter what class you are. This is your city. You’re living here. This is your problem,” says Shepley.
“You got to stay clean, healthy and positive. They help greatly,” says Davis.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.