The winter months in North Bay are cold. People experiencing homelessness need proper footwear as they walk the streets day in and day out. That is why the Compassionate Committee for the Homeless in North Bay has stepped up for the fourth year to help.
Frontline organizations that service people experiencing homelessness requested that the committee ask the public to donate hats, scarves, mitts, thermal socks, and boots.
On Saturday, November 23 at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption parking area, the community of North Bay gave generously.
“Once again, we had a great outpouring of kindness from the community!” stated Leah Pierce, Chairperson for the Compassionate Committee for the Homeless in North Bay. “Organizations like The AIDS Committee of North Bay, Open Arms Café, Catholic Charities, Children’s Aid Society, the Cold Weather Housing Response Program, Tracy’s Heart and Hands, and True Self were very excited and thankful to receive the brand-new mitts, thermal socks, and boots to clothe people experiencing homelessness, including the Indigenous homeless, in the frigid winter weather.”
Five trunks were filled with hats, mitts, scarves, and thermal socks, and thanks to the partnership with Soles4Souls Canada 104 pairs of brand-new winter boots were donated to people experiencing homelessness. In addition, the committee received coats, blankets, and warm clothing that were also donated to people experiencing homelessness. Over the past four years, the Compassionate Committee for the Homeless in North Bay has donated 300 pairs of brand-new boots to frontline organizations that support people experiencing homelessness.
The Compassionate Committee for the Homeless in North Bay was created in March 2021, and based on research conducted, the Winter Boot Campaign was born.
“With 8 churches involved, and 12 volunteers through faith, service and social justice we are addressing the urgent needs of people experiencing homelessness and are engaged with all levels of government to ensure that people experiencing homelessness are front and centre in the political arena,” stated Leah Pierce, chairperson.
What’s next for this faith-filled committee?
"We are already making plans to host an Easter Dinner and hold our Backpacks of Love summer campaign as we know that the number of homeless is ever increasing and so is their need for support from our community."
The committee is made up of the faithful from churches primarily in North Bay’s downtown, who have joined together to address the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness.
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