Tammy Tucker of Port Elgin (Saugeen Shores) has taken upon herself to help her fellow humans, those without a home and often without a meal.
When asked why she took on the task of trying to help, she said, “I was riding my bike one day and came across a 42-year-old man sitting on the sidewalk crying. I asked him what was the matter and he said … I’m cold, tired and I’m so hungry. I told him wait and I would be back and I went home and made him something to eat. It was then I thought, this is so wrong in so many ways. From there I started trying to help those who often have nowhere to go.”
Tucker found herself cooking up to 20 meals on her own for those in need, taking people to the hospital for medical care and trying to help in any way possible.
According to Tucker, there are 37 known unhoused people in Port Elgin who are in emergency shelter through the YMCA. They are in local motels, subsisting on the Food Bank and most are allegedly without medical assistance or counselling, many have mental health issues and addiction problems. “I just feel that if they had permanent homes it would make a huge difference.”
So, Tucker set about try to find homes. “I have found homes for a core group of five, but am looking at least 10 and they need everything that anyone would in setting up a home – kitchen items, bedroom furniture such as a bed and bedding, living room furniture, just everything to create a permanent home. Peter at Stow-it Storage has been so kind and generous and donated a storage unit. Faith Lutheran Church in Port Elgin was the only one to step up and their congregation members, the Johnstons, are now taking in items and storing them in their garage and basement. Helping others takes a whole community.”
Tucker recently had her own issues when she fell off her bike and broke both arms. “It’s terrible having to now depend on others for everything, but we’ll get through it.”
“Unfortunately, I also just learned that some in the emergency shelters have been given notice that they have to be out by May 1st in preparation for the Tourist season,” says Tucker. “Where will they go? Last year, they were all given a tent on their last day … and thats all, no other help in any way! They will again become tent and street people and it will start all over again! But I will keep on working to find them shelter and help them navigate the system of health care and counselling, somebody has to. ”
“I am at Stow-it in Port Elgin on Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 for those who would like to help and drop things off and I can be reached through my email, Tammietucer277@gmail.com.”
