Sarnia's Inn of the Good Shepherd has seen the need for shelter double and the need for food increase by as much as 30 per cent recently.
Executive Director Myles Vanni said the demand continues to rise as the COVID-19 pandemic goes on.
"Pre-COVID we averaged about 30 people in the shelter, we're at 69 people in our care right now, between what we've got at the lodge and in motels, hotels and a little apartment space (there are) 69 people we're looking after and providing meals and food for them in their shelters."
He said they've had help preparing meals and distributing food hampers.
"We have great partnerships with community organizations like Children's Aid, with the Circles Program, with the YMCA, along with Canadian Mental Health, getting food boxes out to families that can't get into the food bank. People who are shut in that can't get in, Red Cross and Lambton Elderly Outreach are helping to deliver those parcels as well."
Vanni said the outpouring of community donations is helping more than just clients at the Inn.
"As the largest food bank in the county, we're also providing and flowing food through to the other food banks and other food agencies. We've been able to share food with Huron Boys Home, with St. Joseph's Hospice, the Women's Interval Home, anywhere we can help provide some supports and resources, the community has supported us very well to be able to do that."
Vanni said it's heartwarming to see how the pandemic has brought everyone together.
"The words that come with the donations are really strengthening our team of volunteers and staff. To know that the community is strongly supporting what we, and what other agencies do to help people, those words of support are just having a great positive impact."