Ontario organization that helps homeless community honoured

A community-based outreach organization providing support to unsheltered residents in Clarington has been recognized by the local council, with the mayor declaring the group embodies the “very heart” of Clarington’s kindness, compassion and community spirit.

Members of the Integrated Community Outreach Network in Clarington (ICONIC) were in the council chambers Monday to hear praises on their work with the homeless population from Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster and his councillors.

“This week, we recognized an incredible group of citizens in our community. Local faith communities, service clubs, and not-for-profit organizations came together to create a grassroots support system for the unsheltered in Bowmanville. They call themselves ICONIC … and the work they’ve done this winter is just that, iconic.”

During the cold winter months, ICONIC members provided warm spaces and a sense of community during the day for those spending their nights at the winter warming centre, opened recently by the Region of Durham in Clarington’s former Tourism Office to provide a safe shelter for those in need.

ICONIC provides support and resources to people experiencing homelessness, substance use issues or other challenges, and works with other organizations to build stronger local connections.

The group offers free breakfasts, lunches, soup suppers and coffee cafés. They also provide access to food banks, warm clothing and hygiene products.

“These devoted citizens established a network to offer unsheltered residents access to a warm space, food, and community connections every day of the week,” Foster added. “Their dedication and care for those in need will continue to ripple through our community, fostering lasting positive change and inspiring us all.”

The Winter Warming Centre, which offers shelter and meals for those in need, operates nightly from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. throughout the winter. The shelter is located at Liberty Street and Baseline Road in Bowmanville.