A woman’s shelter in St. Catharines has been assembling a “survival bag” for those in need.
They cost about $80 to assemble and include essentials for those living on the streets, such as sleeping bags, tarps, blankets, food, and basic hygienic items.
It’s a project that succeeded last year and that organizers at the shelter want to continue as before the winter season sets in.
“We’re hoping that it bridges a gap which we found last year, it really did. It was a really successful project so we’re going to do it again this year,” Jane LaVacca, the Executive Director of Westview Centre for Women.
Jackie Conway, a volunteer there, says that sleeping bags provide a safe space for those facing homelessness to keep their belongings.
“You can put all your belongings in the bottom. Wallet, personal possessions, you know it’s all at the bottom, at your feet — and no one will take them.”
This year, the organization is hoping to raise $40,000 to go towards assembling the kits.
Their shelter also provides a safe space for low-income and unhoused women to find necessities, like a hot meal or free clothing, and a place to socialize.
For more information on the Westview Centre 4 Women ‘s Survival Bag Campaign, click here.
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