As of Jan. 20, Warming Rooms are open as a place to support the community's unsheltered residents.
As of Jan. 20 and running through the end of March, there are both day and night shelters where those in need can access hospitality, medical attention, nourishment and washrooms, with financing from the Ontario COVID-19 Social Services Relief Fund and co-ordination by the County of Northumberland, Green Wood Coalition and St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
The daytime location is the Cobourg Lions Centre (157 Elgin St. E.), open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
The overnight room (in operation since Dec. 21) is also in Cobourg, at the Columbus Centre (232 Spencer St. E.), open from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. each night.
“This is a vital service, providing a safe space for vulnerable community members to get a break from the cold during the winter months,” Northumberland County Director of Community and Social Services Lisa Horne said in the press release.
“To further ensure the safety of those visiting the Warming Rooms, COVID-19 protocols are in place, including symptom screening at entry, physical distancing and mandatory use of masks on premises, and enhanced environmental cleaning practices.”
“We are excited to be part of delivering this important service,” St. Andrew's Rev. Neil Ellis added.
“By collaborating and leveraging our collective resources to provide services like these Warming Rooms, community partners are striving to be responsive to the needs of vulnerable residents.”
Organizers are also pleased with the way many other groups have come together to make this a more caring and sustaining experience:
Community Care Northumberland offers shuttle service between locations.
Helping Hands provides knitted and other clothing items.
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank fulfills food and other sundry needs.
Northumberland Paramedic Services come by weekly for medical visits.
Several local restaurants and other partners provide nutritious daily meals six days a week.
A number of private citizens have made donations of their own.
For more information about resources for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in Northumberland County, visit@Northumberland.ca/HousingAndShelter.
