{"id":5507,"date":"2023-01-22T09:38:18","date_gmt":"2023-01-22T13:38:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bluedoor.ca\/?p=5507"},"modified":"2023-08-14T11:14:41","modified_gmt":"2023-08-14T15:14:41","slug":"coldest-night-of-year-helps-blue-door-fight-homelessness-poverty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bluedoor.ca\/coldest-night-of-year-helps-blue-door-fight-homelessness-poverty\/","title":{"rendered":"Coldest Night of Year helps Blue Door fight homelessness, poverty"},"content":{"rendered":"
Posted on: January 22nd, 2023. By: BradfordToday Staff, bradfordtoday.ca, Original Article<\/a>.<\/div>\n
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Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold relies on community support of Feb. 25 walk in Richmond Hill to continue providing winter refuge and warm meals to those in need<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Jessica arrived in Canada six months ago claiming refugee status. Last November, she was let go from her job, and then evicted from her home when she was soon unable to pay rent, after having issues with immigration status.<\/p>\n

Forced into homelessness, Jessica was couch surfing and staying\u00a0with friends for a few weeks, however, in early December she had run out of options, according to a Blue Door news release.<\/p>\n

Without housing or a job, and with her immigration status still unclear, Jessica was distraught and completely shaken up. It was at this time she was referred to Blue Door\u2019s Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold.<\/p>\n

Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold is a collaborative, community-driven interfaith program that provides warm beds, meals, clothing, medical care, showers, and much more to youth, adults\u00a0and seniors experiencing homelessness during the winter.<\/p>\n

Since entering the program in early December, Jessica has received confirmation that her refugee claim has been accepted, and the Blue Team team\u00a0supported her in gathering OHIP documents to ensure medical coverage, and with the support of the housing workers and volunteers, Jessica successfully secured housing.<\/p>\n

Many individuals in York Region like Jessica require assistance and with the support of Blue Door\u2019s Mosaic Interfaith Out of Cold program, staff and volunteers can ensure that each individual is provided with the supports and services needed.<\/p>\n

You can help by getting involved in Blue Door\u2019s 2023 Coldest Night of the Year walk in Richmond Hill on Saturday, Feb. 25.<\/p>\n

Blue Door\u2019s Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold relies on community support and donations from Coldest Night of the Year \u2013 Richmond Hill to continue providing winter refuge and warm meals to those in need, Blue Door said.<\/p>\n

The Coldest Night of the Year – Richmond Hill walk is a fun, family-friendly fundraising walk inviting Canadians to step outside the warmth and comfort of their home to shine a light of welcome, compassion, and inclusion in their communities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Coldest Night of the Year \u2013 Richmond Hill walk has become one of the largest community events.\u00a0We are so proud of the support we\u2019ve received from the community over the past five\u00a0years running this fundraiser,\u201d said senior manager of seasonal programs at Blue Door Rehana Sumar. \u201cThe funds raised are so critical at this time, as the pandemic has put unprecedented pressure on community services.\u201d<\/p>\n

York Region has seen an increase in individuals experiencing homelessness over the past few years, and it is a crisis that is only getting bigger. Community support is needed now more than ever, Sumar said.<\/p>\n

As Blue Door\u2019s only annual fundraiser, Coldest Night allows the charity’s\u00a0programs to continue to provide life-saving supports and services to our community\u2019s most vulnerable.<\/p>\n

Funds raised support urgent needs and Blue Door\u2019s Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold program, providing services to youth, adults, seniors, and families experiencing homelessness and poverty in York Region.<\/p>\n

For the first time in two years, Blue Door will be hosting an in-person event on Feb.\u00a025\u00a0at 4 p.m. at TMS Lower Campus \u2013 Richmond Hill. Registration is free.<\/p>\n

There are many ways to get involved in Coldest Night of the Year and help Blue Door raise more than $150,000 needed to provide life-saving support.<\/p>\n