Last night our Producer, John Ironside, spent a chunk of his evening grabbing a bite and chatting with a local wounded veteran who now finds himself homeless in Barrie. He is not alone. Current statistics estimate there are more than 2,000 men, women, and children are experiencing Episodic, Transitional, or Chronic Homelessness within our beautiful and prosperous city this very day and night.

There are groups helping, such as the David Busby Centre, the Salvation Army Barrie Bayside Mission Centre, the Glowing Hearts Community Give & Get Centre - Barrie, and Friends of the Homeless Living in Barrie, but we can each also help in our own ways. Some of these groups can accept money, while they will all welcome warm clothes, boots, gloves, hats, and most of all socks. Some groups, such as the Glowing Hearts Community Give & Get Centre - Barrie, also welcome sleeping bags, camping gear, gym bags, and even tarps.

The David Busby Centre is currently expanding to accommodate overnight winter shelter, but it will not be open until the end of the month. A simple look out your window will tell you that winter has hit early, and although the snow is not likely to last, it is here now, and it is cold. It is up to you to decide if you want to help those in need, but excuses will not provide the necessities of life. It does not matter what they buy with the money they receive from you or us, and frankly who are we to judge?

Nobody planned their life to become homeless, and no parent wants to shelter their children in a car or live as nomads wandering between friends' houses. Please help these people if you can, and if you choose not to, then please just shut up about the 'problem' because those of us who care have heard enough out of you.