This winter has brought exceptionally frigid temperatures to Windsor, creating particularly harsh conditions for individuals without permanent housing. In response, the city's largest homeless shelter is organizing a special event to highlight these challenges and rally community support.
Annual Walking Tour Aims to Build Understanding
The Downtown Mission will host its annual walking tour through downtown Windsor this Saturday as part of the Coldest Night of the Year campaign, the organization's most significant annual fundraising initiative. The event seeks to provide participants with a glimpse into the daily realities faced by those experiencing homelessness.
"This is a way to raise awareness and hopefully compassion for people who are experiencing those kinds of lives," explained Rukshini Ponniah-Goulin, the mission's executive director. "The walking tour is meant to give people a little bit of a feel of what someone who is experiencing homelessness could be experiencing on a daily basis."
Fundraising Progress and Community Needs
The shelter reports being "on track" to meet its 2026 winter fundraising goal of $125,000. As of Thursday, February 26, the Downtown Mission had raised $100,441, representing approximately 80 percent of its objective.
"We're incredibly grateful," Ponniah-Goulin stated. "But we are fully aware that so many people in our own community right here are struggling. We need the support of our community to make sure our doors can be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."
Event Details and Participation
During Coldest Night of the Year on Saturday, February 28, participants can choose between a 2km or 5km walking route beginning at the Downtown Mission located at 875 Ouellette Avenue. Check-in opens at 4 p.m., with the 5km walk commencing at 5 p.m., followed by the 2km walk. Following the event, chili will be served to participants at the downtown shelter.
The event represents a nationwide effort, taking place in 222 cities across Canada and 75 cities in the United States this Saturday.
Growing Need and Historical Context
Since beginning participation in the Coldest Night of the Year event fourteen years ago, the Downtown Mission has raised a total of $749,471 through the campaign. Last year's effort generated $123,000, but shelter officials note that the need for homeless services has continued to escalate.
"As we all know, the prices of everything have gone up, and the need unfortunately has also gone up for people, whether it be food, shelter or just opportunities," Ponniah-Goulin emphasized.
Increased Shelter Usage During Winter Months
The shelter has witnessed a "huge increase" in the number of individuals seeking refuge since the beginning of winter. During the fall season, the Downtown Mission typically accommodated between 80 to 90 people on its upper floors and approximately 20 to 30 individuals in the downstairs dining hall overnight.
However, during periods of extreme cold this winter, those numbers have surged to an average of 110 to 115 people upstairs and around 50 people downstairs, demonstrating the critical importance of maintaining shelter operations during harsh weather conditions.
