The Downtown Mission is activating its cold response plan as the temperature drops on Friday afternoon.
It'll work closely with its partners in the community to ensure those experiencing homelessness have a warm, safe place to take a respite from the cold.
"When temperatures drop this low, the need for warm meals, safe spaces, and human support rises sharply," said Executive Director Rukshini Ponniah-Goulin. "We are preparing to support more unhoused individuals and working collaboratively with our partners -- but we can't do it without community support."
During extreme cold events, the Mission often serves hundreds of additional meals per day and sees a sharp rise in the number of people requiring support.
The surge puts additional strain on the Mission, so it's calling on the community to help offset the increased costs. It said financial donations have the greatest impact and allow staff to respond in real time to changing needs.
Those who wish to make a donation can do so online.
"Extreme cold doesn't wait," added Ponniah-Goulin, adding that it poses a serious and life-threatening risk for those who don't have a home to call their own. "Every dollar donated helps ensure we can provide the food, supplies, staffing, and care needed to keep people safe during this dangerous weather."
