Downtown Mission adding beds to address demand
The Downtown Mission is adding 42 beds to its new centre on Ouellette Avenue so as many as 116 people can spend the night.
“The number of people coming to the Wellness Centre each night for a bed is beyond our current capacity,” said executive director Ron Dunn. “It’s a real concern.”
The mission’s new headquarters at 875 Ouellette Ave. opened in April with beds for 74 men, women and families. “We’ve been full consistently,” Dunn said.
Tuesday, Dunn said the mission placed orders for more mattresses and bed frames. “We don’t want to have to turn anyone away and we don’t want to make people sleep on the floor.”
Included in its accommodations is a family suite that can house up to four people. “It has been full since we’ve opened,” Dunn said. It is currently occupied by an elderly couple and their daughter who is an adult with developmental disabilities.
Dunn said he and staff are trying to figure out why demand for beds is so high. Dunn said some people might be looking for airconditioned accommodations if their apartments are too hot. Landlords must provide a minimum temperature in the winter months, Dunn explained, but there is no legislation regarding maximum temperatures. Dunn said that’s only a guess. “We just really don’t know.”
Dunn said summer months put “additional strain” on homeless people. They are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses, such as sunstroke and dehydration, or even death.
The mission opens it doors during the day to provide air-conditioned shelter. It also offers water and other refreshments.