We were walking by Barrie’s beautiful waterfront the other night. As we passed a car my brother-in-law remarked that it looked like someone was living in it. That could very well be true and is probably better than sleeping on the street. That is why we still have an Out Of The Cold program in Barrie! The Barrie Out of the Cold program (B.O.O.T.C.) aims to provide an alternative to sleeping out in the cold.
The Mission: Barrie Out of the Cold provides safe, respectful and welcoming overnight accommodation and meals to the homeless from November to April.
The web site says:
“The guests who come to our shelters may look a little unkempt at times and initially may not seem very approachable. Living on the street does not give them the benefit of a daily shower. A few have physical and mental health problems. Nearly all lack the support of family and friends and are desperately in need of a friendly smile and a helping hand.”
As a volunteer of B.O.O.T.C. you soon become more familiar with the guests and you realize that circumstances and lack of support have brought them to the program. The desire to help soon overtakes the initial uncertainty of dealing with people who may present as a little different. If you decide to volunteer to help this program, you will be joining over 1000 volunteers, who, after training, work together in the different church locations to help someone in their time of need. The guests often tell volunteers that this program has been a "lifeline" for them.
Volunteers work together in teams. Each team works once every four weeks. Volunteers commit to working on one or more shifts, six times or more from November to April.
Many volunteers return to help out with this program year after year, but there is attrition so please check the current vacancies chart, which indicates where they need to fill positions.
APPLY ON-LINE NOW
Telephone: (705) 331-1396
Men are urgently needed for all four shifts.
Women are needed for the 8 -11 p.m., overnight and early morning shifts.
Barrie Out of the Cold 2011-12 season begins on November 12, 2011.
You are encouraged to apply stating your preference as they do have a spares program. Spares within the program will be given the first opportunity to move to a regular team as and when vacancies occur.
This is one area where you can make a practical difference!