MISSION

"Out Of The Cold" is a program which strives to respond, in a meaningful way to the needs of the most abandoned of our city's poor and homeless people. These needs include the basic physical needs of shelter, food and warm clothing, and the deeply human needs of compassion, dignity and feelings of self worth.

It is the aim of the program to enable all those involved to share their individual riches and poverties with one another. This interaction makes possible a discovery of our common humanity, which helps eliminate barriers and leads to the building of new and enriching relationships.

Why Have An Out Of The Cold Program

Homelessness is not just a problem of larger cities like Toronto. The problem exists in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. There are local agencies that offer support to the homeless, but they are often overworked and overcrowded. For a variety of reasons the homeless cannot always go to these agencies. Out Of The Cold provides another option. (We realize that is it is not a solution to the problem of homelessness, but rather an aid to help in coping with it.)

OBJECTIVE

To provide the homeless in our community with warm and safe overnight accommodation and nourishment within a quiet and welcoming atmosphere.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

  1. Our guests are to be treated with dignity and respect.
  2. Our organizational principles will be as simple and non bureaucratic as possible consistent with a "welcoming atmosphere."
  3. We are not here to preach or convert.
  4. We welcome community involvement.

RULES FOR OUR GUESTS

The following will not be tolerated:
More Information About The Program | Kitchener Waterloo Sites | Volunteer Information and Training Offered | Links

Updated Sept 13, 2007
Updated Training Dates for 2007-2008 Season