Residents gathered outside AG Foods on Oct. 9 to enjoy a barbecue with a purpose — raising funds for the Lakeland Out of the Elements Shelter Society (LOESS). The community event brought together volunteers, supporters, and shelter staff to serve up meals while highlighting the ongoing need for local homelessness support.

Supporting World Homelessness Day

The fundraiser was timed to align with World Homelessness Day, observed on Oct. 10 each year. The international day aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people without stable housing and to encourage communities to take action toward prevention and long-term solutions.

Organisers hoped the event would both increase understanding of homelessness in the Lakeland region and help stock the shelter’s pantry to meet growing demand.

Helping People Build a Path Forward

LOESS has been a cornerstone of local support for individuals experiencing homelessness, providing not only emergency shelter but also meals, laundry access, and goal-setting assistance. The organisation’s staff and volunteers work closely with clients to help them transition into permanent housing and find meaningful employment.

Earlier this year, LOESS opened a new transitional housing facility near the Alexander Hamilton Community Park. The site includes five camp trailers situated on seven fenced acres of municipal land, providing temporary housing and stability for people working to rebuild their lives.

Through events like this barbecue, LOESS continues to remind the community that homelessness is not just a big-city issue — it’s one that can be addressed locally through compassion, awareness, and collective effort.