MONTREAL - With winter fully upon the province, extra efforts are being made to take care of people who live on the streets.
Robert Lavigne says the Old Brewery Mission has started its bus service to ensure the homeless get at least a temporary respite for the winter.
Sponsored in part by the Montreal Health and Social Services Agency, the bus goes from shelter to shelter every evening.
"The Old Brewery Mission strives on trying to give the best service we can to make sure no one sleeps on the street any time of the year, especially in the wintertime," said Lavigne.
If any given shelter is full, the bus will take people who were waiting to another shelter that has space.
"The objective basically is to get people off the street in the winter months," said Lavigne.
William Hancock, who sleeps at the Mission when he can, says he will be thinking of his family, even if they are not thinking about him.
"It hurts me though, it hurts. I don't know if you know what I mean," said Hancock.
In the weeks before Christmas, many organizations are helping out the shelters.
Penny Polak, a member of the American Women's Club of Montreal, was at the Old Brewery Mission Wednesday evening to hand out socks and underwear.
"I think it's fantastic to be able to help these men out. It's already cold this winter, so very excited to do this," said Polak.
There are 567 places available for homeless men in Montreal's three largest shelters, with another 60 for women.
