Windsor’s Downtown Mission is calling for bottled water donations as heat wave depletes supplies, leaving the city’s unhoused at risk.
Mission Faces Shortage During Heat Wave
As Windsor faces another stretch of sweltering summer temperatures, the Downtown Mission has issued an urgent plea for bottled water donations to support the city’s vulnerable unhoused population.
Demand Increases with Rising Temperatures
Temperatures soared to 34.4°C on Thursday and are forecast to remain in the high 20s and low 30s over the next several days, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. This prolonged heat wave has increased the number of people seeking shelter and relief at the Mission.
Executive Director Sounds Alarm
Rukshini Ponniah-Goulin, Executive Director of the Downtown Mission, said the facility has run out of bottled water despite a recent donation during the last heat wave. “We see probably 300 to 400 adults at the Mission daily,” she said. “And at the Windsor Youth Centre, we’re seeing 60 to 80 young people each evening.”
Unhoused Community at Risk
Extreme heat poses significant health risks for those without consistent access to air conditioning or hydration. “Hot days like these can be just as dangerous as freezing ones,” said Ponniah-Goulin. “People are staying longer just to escape the heat.”
How Residents Can Help
The Mission is appealing for donations of bottled water, juice boxes, or monetary contributions that can be used to purchase beverages. “Anything people can do will help,” she emphasized.
Community Response Critical
While the community stepped up during previous heat events, the rapid consumption rate and rising temperatures have once again created a supply crisis. The Mission hopes Windsor residents will respond quickly to ensure no one is left without this basic necessity.
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