A large donation by the United Way and the COVID-19 Emergency Community Support Fund will help a local community group as we head into what could be a very challenging winter.

Speaking on the NL Morning News, Mustard Seed Kamloops Managing Director Mario Borba, says a $39,000 grant is welcomed, as they head into an uncertain winter season.

“That is amazing. It gives us hope and we are looking toward helping the individuals because now, especially because of COVID, we need to adapt it for the need,” he said. “The needs have changed and it’s not only the basic services anymore, where we can provide food, shelter and clothing.”

The money will go towards several areas according to Borba.

“That grant will help us provide those kind of services for the individuals that are in need and adapt for the situation because now, especially the people we serve, they are the front lines and they are the ones that lose their jobs first and they need the help to get back on their feet in order for us to stop the cycle of people becoming homeless,” he said.

Asked if he expects to see the numbers of people needing help go up as we head into winter, Borba said, “right now, we’ve already seen the numbers going up. If you go to our location you’ll see that it’s busier.”

“The numbers are going up. We’ve seen an increase of 20 per cent a day of individuals in need.”

Borba hopes to use part of the money for training staff to help coach people towards getting back on their feet and eventually live independently.