Our Mission
The Ministry of Veronica’s Veil Overnight Shelter is based on the Sixth Station of the Cross “Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus”, where Jesus asks us: “Can you be brave enough, my other self, to wash my bloody face? Where is my face you ask; in the slums; on the streets wherever suffering exists and there I look to you to wipe away my blood and tears.”
Services
Open from early January to the end of April
9:00 PM to 8:00AM
St. Mary’s Parish Centre Kingston ON
260 Brock Street
Kingston Ontario
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Contact
Phone: 613 546 5521
Coordinator: Ann Lyng
veronicasveil@stmaryscathedral.ca
Address: 260 Brock St Kingston
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To Become a Volunteer
Volunteer Requirements:
- Male, at least 18 years or older
- Be committed to helping those in need with a heart for the poor and those experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, and poverty
- Maintain the confidentiality of our guests
- Complete the Archdiocesan volunteer screening procedure
- Must be able to work as part of a team
- Participation in training sessions
Volunteers are specially trained in de-escalation tactics, crisis management, public health guidelines and handling drug toxicity.
Volunteers help give each guest dignity by:
- Welcoming and registering guests as they arrive
- Escorting guests to their assigned beds
- Serving hot beverages and snacks at the canteen
- Helping guests with their clothing, toiletries or shower needs
- Extending a sympathetic ear and a caring heart
- Providing information about other service providers relative to their needs
How You Can Help
1. Volunteer your time during the months of January to April for a four-hour shift. (At this time, we are only accepting male volunteers).
2. Donate at stmaryscathedral.ca and specify your donation to go to Veronica’s Veil. Cheques can be made out to St. Mary’s Cathedral, or E-transfer to smarys@cogeco.net.
3. Pray/Submit a Mass Intention for the men who come to the shelter nightly and for the volunteers who make it possible to provide a warm safe space.
4. Share our Veronica’s Veil Overnight Shelter for Men posts within your community to raise awareness on homelessness and poverty in the city of Kingston.
5. Donate juice boxes, bottles of water, granola bars, cookies, instant oatmeal, sugar, hot chocolate, tea, instant coffee.
Saint Veronica
The Meaning of Veronica’s Veil