THUNDER BAY - A program designed to help the most vulnerable people in the city during some of the cruellest months, is not only putting a smile on people’s faces, it is also saving lives.
The Thunder Bay Shelter House Street Outreach Service or SOS program will be hitting area streets again this year, providing transportation and assistance to people living on city streets.
“We try to help people in crisis on the street,” said Adam Cupelli, a SOS member with Shelter House. “We drive people from shelter to shelter, detox centres, the Salvation Army, the hospital. We try to find people on the streets as well, whether they need blankets, hats, or gloves and if they need a warm place to stay we drive them back to Shelter House.”
The SOS program began as a four month pilot study in 2014. Between January and April 2014, it provided support to more than 950 individuals.
Operating from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. every day of the week, Cupelli said on average, the SOS program provides assistance to more than 30 people a night and receives more than 25 phone calls a day.
“Every day is a little different,” added SOS member, Jess Langille. “Somedays it is super good, everyone is really happy. I find it super rewarding just being able to help someone smile.”
“Usually people are very excited to see us because they know the SOS program is there to provide them with help,” Cupelli continued. “Right away they come to us and say they need water, or sandwiches, a hat or gloves, or underwear, socks, usually basic necessities they need to be on the streets and survive.”
Last year, the SOS program was extended to run in the summer as well, because according to Langille, there was strong demand for it in the community.
“We started it as a trial in the winter because winter is the time of year people are most in need,” she said. “There was such a high demand that we thought we would try to go throughout the summer.”
All materials and supplies are donated by the public. Langille said this year there has been an outpouring of support, which has made a really big difference.
“We’ve seen tons of people donate cookies or make sandwiches,” she said. “Or just calling us and telling us someone is walking down the street without a jacket and may need help. I really find the community is coming together and trying to help out more.”
The SOS team can be reached by calling 620-7678.
