Rain, snow, ice and wind are only a few of the antagonists for the many people in Mission who spend most nights outdoors fighting the elements as they try to get a night’s sleep.
On Feb. 24, Mission is joining 120 communities across Canada hlding a Coldest Night of the Year Walk, to draw attention to the reality of life for those with no safe place to call home.
Whether you walk, help organize or donate to one of the many teams, you can help Mission Youth House (My House) and Hope Central help those who are homeless, hungry and in need of support.
The walk begins and ends at Hope Central and The Penny, a social enterprise business of Hope Central. Registration begins at 4 p.m. when you can sign in, turn in your donations and have a cup of coffee before heading out on your choice of a two, five or 10 kilometre walk or run.
Following a year of construction, Hope Central opened its doors this summer, offering food and support to people in need and to educate the community about the issues faced by people who are marginalized by poverty or isolation.
Mission Youth House (MY House) provides a place where youth can find food, warm clothing, hot showers, laundry and focused support for youth of Mission who are homeless or in unstable housing.
In the past year and a half since opening, MY House has been there for 2,400 visits by at least 140 youth. Nine of those youth have been helped to access treatment centres for substance abuse; a weekly medical clinic at My House has provided care to 120 youth; support workers have provided support for 25 youth going through an extreme mental health crises, thousands of hot meals have been prepared to hungry youth. In addition, with the help of support staff, 11 youth have reconnected with their families.
“Those are only a few of the services MY House has offered youth on a shoe-string budget with few staff and several dedicated volunteers,” said Calvin Williams, manager of My House.
“Each week, up to 15 join staff and volunteers for Friday night Family Meal. Everyone sits around the table sharing stories, substance abuse support, laughs, tears and hope,” said Williams.
The Penny coffee shop staff have created a special Coldest Night of the Year drink resembling a snowy mountain. This chocolaty hazelnut drink is topped with mini marshmallows available with or without caffeine (hot chocolate or mocha versions available). And the best part is that $1 from the sale of each drink will be donated directly to the campaign.
For further information, or to sign up, check out the event’s website at https://cnoy.org/location/mission.