The St. Vincent de Paul food bank and Walpole Island warming shelter are each getting a financial boost from the Sarnia-Lambton United Way.
The food bank is receiving $20,000 to deal with increased demand for things like cleaning supplies, vitamins, supplement drinks, hygiene items, and dental work.
United Way Executive Director Dave Brown said $30,000 has been earmarked for the warming shelter at Walpole Island Anglican Church.
James Jenkins, CEO, Walpole Island First Nations and Larissa Wrightman, Community Planning and Political Office Assistant at the Warming Centre (Photo courtesy of United Way)
"They're finding a need for women to be placed at the shelter," said Brown. "So, our funding will help with renovations to accommodate women in need."
Brown said the shelter's eight beds have been at or near capacity since opening in mid-April. An estimated 20-plus community members need help each night.
He said they recently changed their funding focus to look at helping people move out of the cycle of poverty, and develop healthier communities.
The Critical Service grants come from the United Way's 2020 fundraising campaign, which brought in just over $1.75-million, or 92 per cent of the $1.9-million target.