Brantford library provides socks for homeless community members

A new initiative at the Brantford Public Library is aiming to give one thousand pairs of socks to homeless people in the community.

Library staff are joining forces with Socks 4 Souls, a non-profit charity in Toronto that collects and provides socks for the homeless.

Socks are one of the most vital pieces of clothing for a person trying to survive on the street. Clean socks keep feet warm and dry and prevent skin breakdown, blisters and infection.

The socks will be collected and distributed from the Brantford Public Library’s main branch located at 173 Colborne St. Residents are not required to join the library to collect socks.

“This is a great opportunity to make an instant and meaningful impact in the lives of homeless residents,” the Library’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Librarian Rae-Lynne Aramburo said.

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The addition of a social services outreach position at the library in 2022 helps connect marginalized individuals to invaluable supports and services such as this.

Vulnerable community members are able to attend one-on-one meetings and supportive group meet-ups.

“The library is a comfortable and welcoming place for all residents to come for trusted information,” Aramburo said. “As the community has evolved, the information needs of residents have expanded and we have adapted our services to facilitate access to community information, supports, and resources.”