After having lived homeless in Winnipeg for 13 years, Ron Eldridge was recovered and founded a ministry 12 years ago to help other homeless people. He's now reaching out to people in Portage la Prairie. He outlines what led him to our community.

Ron Eldridge"We've been doing this in Winnipeg -- helping the homeless out there -- for a number of years now. We've come into Portage because we had people contact us asking us to come out," says Eldridge. "They've seen us on the news and said we're needed out here if we'd be interested. So, we started coming out. Right now we're handing out backpacks and proper clothing for this type of weather that we're having."

Eldridge says he gives away Tim Hortons, A&W, and McDonalds gift cards to cover a meal. He adds he's also looking for a building to rent or rent-to-own in Portage, and also wants to help not just the homeless but anyone living beneath the poverty level as well.

He refers to his former lifestyle as transient homeless. While in Winnipeg he met a woman who took interest in his story and took it upon herself to help him clean up his life.  He says she succeeded, adding, "Not only did she succeed, but in 1996 she became my wife! Now we've dedicated our lives to helping those people in need."

Eldridge says there isn't any place in Portage where the homeless can get out of the cold for a night, and that's why he's here. He adds Winnipeg has drop-in centres, but says we need another one in Portage.

Toques recently donated to the ministryEldridge operates Devoted To You Street Ministries, and can be contacted at (204) 750-1228. He also can be reached through Carmen Pentecostal Church at (204) 745-3787.

He notes he'd be more than happy to accept any good, used winter clothing from anybody in Portage whose willing to help out. Devoted to You Street Ministries is also set up to receive monetary donations.

Car loaded with supplies for those in need