‘Homelessness doesn’t take a holiday, and neither do we,’ officials say
This is the 42nd in a series of columns written by staff from The Lighthouse to help the community better understand people experiencing homelessness and those who support them. This column appears every other Monday.
Christmas is just two days away, and at The Lighthouse, this is a season that stands out as a time when people who are experiencing homelessness need even more hope than usual.
Christmas is a time of hope, love and peace. At the same time, Christmas brings up difficult emotions.
It’s a time when people who are experiencing homelessness are especially reminded of what they lack. While many of us are gathering with friends or family, they may feel the weight of broken relationships or the reality of being alone.
While many are exchanging gifts, they may be struggling just to secure the basic necessities, and sometimes even that is a challenge.
We believe everyone deserves a little extra care and hope at Christmas.
Our team works hard to ensure everyone accessing our services experiences something special during this season.
Everyone staying in our emergency shelter and supportive housing programs will have a festive Christmas meal. In addition to our regular services that ensure participants receive the basic necessities, they will receive a small gift on Christmas morning.
For people who are sleeping rough or couch surfing in our community, the outreach and warming centre services ensure everyone receives care and support over the holiday season.
While the generosity of our community is ongoing throughout the year, at Christmas, it becomes even more evident.
Over the past few weeks, we have been encouraged by the increase in donations and support from schools, individual donors, local businesses, service clubs, and so many others.
Whether it’s monetary donations, tangible items like hats and gloves, or turkeys, your gifts are helping us bring comfort and hope to people who are experiencing homelessness.
Thanks to your kindness, we are reminded people care and there is still hope in hard situations. Together as a community, we are making a difference in people’s lives.
Homelessness doesn’t take a holiday, and neither do we. The Lighthouse continues to offer services throughout the Christmas season. Our dedicated, compassionate staff continue to provide essential services every day of the year.
We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support we’ve received. It’s not too late to join us in providing Hope for the Holidays. Together, we are keeping hope at Christmas and throughout the year.
Linda Goodall is the former executive director at The Lighthouse. For further information contact Dale Rowe, Executive director at dale@orillialighthouse.ca
Rosemary Petersen is the managing director at The Lighthouse and can be reached at rosemary@orillialighthouse.ca.