Lorne Clifford, a retired peacekeeper in Thunder Bay, has shifted his focus from global conflicts to addressing water insecurity among the homeless. Earlier in 2024, he launched I Was Thirsty, a grassroots initiative that delivers bottled water directly to encampments across the city. Since the summer, volunteers have distributed over 14,000 bottles. Clifford’s inspiration came from his experiences overseas, where he witnessed water shortages and realized that similar struggles existed in some of Thunder Bay’s homeless encampments.
The initiative is run through St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, which manages donations and finances. Volunteers purchase cases of water and deliver them to people living in encampments, providing direct access without the need to wait in line. The project is named after a Bible verse, emphasizing compassion and support for those in need. Initially, some residents were cautious, but soon they began eagerly awaiting the water deliveries and assisting with the distribution.
Thunder Bay’s 2024 Point-in-Time count reported 557 homeless individuals, with Indigenous people comprising 78% of the population. Clifford’s initiative fills a critical gap in services, offering much-needed water and human connection. Local filmmaker Alan Auld is documenting the project, focusing on its grassroots nature and the broader issue of homelessness in northern Ontario. Clifford hopes I Was Thirsty will expand to other communities, believing that for just $3, a case of water can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
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