Church program brings city homeless out from the cold

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The Out of the Cold program at St. Aidan's Anglican Church in the Beach kicked off its third season just in time for the temperature to drop.

"We've had such warm weather this fall and sure enough the week we started it was a cold snap," said its chair Dr. Michael Chambers, an area resident who got the ball rolling on the local initiative.

The program, which offers warm meals and overnight accommodation for up to 16 homeless men and women, started up again on Monday, Nov. 10.

The doors opened at 4 p.m. and a hearty dinner prepared by volunteers was served at 6 p.m.

"We're famous for our food quality," said Margaret Betts, the program's team leader, on opening night.

Several local restaurants, including Hanoi Chic, Spiaggia's, the Beacher Cafe and Quigley's, help out by preparing the food half of the time, Betts said.

"It's a really nice balance."

The Wholesome Food Store on Queen Street East also donates fresh veggies as well as two dozen eggs each week to the program. Tim Hortons and Starbucks provide a java fix for the guests and volunteers.

The program is funded entirely through private donations.

"These people are just so appreciative. It just melts your heart," Chambers said, adding that he's there every Monday night to make sure everything's fine and everyone's happy.

"They are really wonderful people just down on their luck."

Richard Vaughan is one such guest.

"This is one of the best places I come to," he said after enjoying a tasty meal.

"They serve the most delicious food and it's a nice atmosphere."

Vaughan, an area resident who is unable to work due to a disability, said that he really appreciates the program.

"People are really friendly. They make it enjoyable," Vaughan said, adding that he's especially thankful for the free clothing and socks that he's received in the past.

This year, the program has 25 new volunteers in addition to the 75 to 80 returning ones. The helpers have different crews, who each do two to three hour shifts on a four-week rotation. Each fifth week there's an open call for volunteers.

"We've had good support, really wonderful support," said Chambers, who also credited the church's new Rev. Barb Liotscos for her help and guidance.

A family physician with 38 years of service, Chambers also offers medical advice to guests as does a nurse sent over from the local Community Care Access Centre.

This year, organizers are hoping that a social worker will be able to come out and discuss more permanent housing and employment options with the guests.

The Out of the Cold program at St. Aidan's will run Monday nights until April 6, 2009.

Plans are currently in the works to once again run the program on Christmas Eve, which this year falls on a Thursday night.

Last year, the program welcomed a total of 260 overnight guests and served up over 400 meals to the needy.