The Downtown Mission in Windsor is worried about its clients after receiving a threatening phone call.
Director Ron Dunn says an anonymous man called the mission on Monday and said if panhandlers “don’t leave the downtown, they are going to end up in the hospital.”
The mission has joined forces with the DWBIA and Windsor’s homeless coalition to address the issue.
“We want the community to understand that the DWBIA and mission are working closely to look at ways we can mitigate some of the problems of those that panhandle,” says Dunn.
Windsor police are also involved and aware of situation. Officers went to the mission Thursday morning.
Dunn says he is now concerned about the safety of Windsor’s panhandlers. He made an announcement at the shelter on Thursday, warning clients about the threat and telling them to be careful if they engage in the activity.
“Anyone we receive might be a target,” says Dunn.
Dunn says there was some concern when he made the announcement. Most of them were wondering if it was just one person, or stemming from a group of people.
“We don’t believe there’s an immediate danger to anyone not panhandling,” says Dunn.
