Grey County has approved $150,000 to fund a warming centre pilot program at Safe N’ Sound in Owen Sound next winter.
A report, which was approved by Grey County councillors in the minutes of the Community Services Committee says the pilot will be for one year from November 1st, 2023 to April 1st 2024.
The report says it will initially be funded through the Safe Restart Funding Reserve.
A committee report from April 25th says, “The significant increase in housing costs, due in part to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, has led to a 300 per cent increase in people experiencing homelessness from 2020 to 2023 in Grey County.”
Director of Community Services Anne Marie Shaw was referenced in the report as saying “while the County works to assist people in obtaining and maintaining housing, demand can exceed available resources during winter, and alternative options, such as warming centres, are needed to support increased volumes or individuals with complex needs.”
Staff say in a report, the County’s Short Term Shelter Program provides short term accommodation at a motel while outreach housing workers assist with a housing plan. But they note, the program does not work for every case. An example is when someone is banned by a motel owner, or does not want to use the motel program, or requires care beyond the scope of the program.
Staff say this is where a warming centre can be useful because it would provide a warm indoor space for vulnerable residents, which includes access to washrooms, snacks, and internet, laundry and other services.
Safe N Sound supports over 800 visits to their program monthly.
The warming centre will run on consistent hours, making it potentially easier to staff, instead of just running it on extremely cold nights. A report says, “The consistent hours will also take the pressure off the Short-Term Shelter Program, local police, Grey Bruce Health Services and other community agencies as there will be a warm place for someone to be directed to.”