By Cecilia Nasmith

Northumberland County has announced an overnight Warming Room for unsheltered residents that will open Dec. 21.

Columbus Community Centre, located at 232 Spencer St. E. in Cobourg, will be open for this purpose seven days a week from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. through the end of March.

Implemented as an additional service to the county's existing homelessness system resources (including emergency shelter services and diversion supports), the Warming Room will be a place where those in need of shelter can get out of the cold, access washrooms and enjoy some light refreshments.

“Northumberland County and homelessness system partners continue to plan and implement coordinated supports for vulnerable members of the community and ensure service availability during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Northumberland Director of Community and Social Services Lisa Horne said in the announcement.

Describing the Warming Room as a safe place to keep warm at night, she added, “Community partners are expanding services and increasing capacity within the homelessness system through collaboration and shared resources in order to remain responsive to local needs.”

The Warming Room will be managed through a partnership among the county, Green Wood Coalition and St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. The initiative is being funded through Social Services Relief Funding that was announced by the province to enhance social services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Delivering important flexibility to create local solutions that address local needs, this funding is supporting a range of homelessness prevention measures in Northumberland that reinforce a co-ordinated response,” the press release stated.

Green Wood Coalition Executive Director David Sheffield has found that this global pandemic has heightened the level of insecurity already experienced by at-risk populations within our community.

“We are pleased to be coordinating this program as an important resource for people in need,” Sheffield stated.

“We will be working closely with St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church and Northumberland County to provide this space for respite and warmth as another way to walk alongside people who are homeless and hurting in Northumberland.”