Souls Harbour Rescue Mission switching to to-go meals during COVID-19 pandemic

By Katie Hartai

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is making some changes to how it will serve guests for the foreseeable future.

The organization usually serves 250 hot meals each day, however in response to government direction, the non-profit will now be providing bagged lunches to-go in an effort to encourage social distancing. 

The mission's CEO, Michelle Porter, says it's not an ideal situation, but they're doing the best they can to meet the needs of their guests during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There will be less human contact with our guests,” she explains. “In that sense, I feel for them. A lot of times people come because they're lonely and they need friendship and fellowship. We're just not going to be able to provide very much of that right now.”

Porter says currently the meals are fairly simple.

“With fruit, granola bar, sandwich and maybe a bag of chips,” she says. “Once our chef gets back from Spring Break, he'll probably try to implement hot meals to go as well.”

The sacked meals cost more than the ones made in-house and donations — including hand sanitizer, toilet paper, Lysol, Clorox wipes, soap, sack lunch fixings, granola bars, small bags of chips, apples and oranges — would be appreciated at this time. 

Porter adds those experiencing homelessness, living on the streets or in poverty are especially vulnerable to illness due to pre-existing chronic health issues and weakened immune systems, so it's vital to make sure none of our needy neighbours go hungry.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today