Second and third floors open Thursday at 310 Division St. shelter
Cobourg
After the ground-floor warming-hub services opened last month at the Northumberland County emergency shelter at 310 Division St., Cobourg, Thursday saw the opening of the 35 emergency beds on the second and third floors
At the Northumberland County emergency shelter at 310 Division St., Cobourg, Thursday was the big day when the second- and third-floor space and its 35 beds officially opened.
In honour of the occasion, the county has released a video to celebrate the promise of this new facility and the partners that helped make it possible (Pathways to Hope – Modernizing Shelter Services).
Warden Brian Ostrander, who attended the Monday event at the shelter where members of the community were invited to tour the facility, called this a proud moment.
“The opening of these emergency shelter spaces is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our staff, partners and the community over the last year,” Ostrander said.
“This facility represents hope, stability and the beginning of a brighter future for those in need.”
Operations at this address began last month with the opening of the 24/7 warming hub on the ground floor, offering safe shelter and respite from the cold, as well as laundry and shower facilities, lockers and food.
Upstairs, the facility provides dignified emergency shelter while connecting individuals to such vital resources as wellness, housing and employment supports.
Thursday's news is the next step in the transition of shelter services from Transition House's 10 Chapel St. location, just around the corner, with 10 individuals at that address to be moved into the new facility – soon to be followed by 17 individuals currently in the motel overflow program. This changeover is expected to be complete by early January, after which Transition House will begin intakes with members of the community seeking shelter. At that point, the Chapel Street location will close, consolidating services on Division Street.
“This modernized shelter is more than a building – it is a space of care, empowerment and opportunity,” Transition House Executive Director Ike Nwibe said in the announcement.
“We are excited to welcome our clients into their new accommodations and help them on their path to stability and independence.”
Looking ahead, the fourth floor with its 10 units of transitional housing is expected to be ready early in the new year, offering longer-term housing options and supportive services for those preparing to transition to permanent housing..
Members of the community are invited to stay informed about this ongoing modernization of shelter services and future developments at Northumberland.ca/ShelterModernization
Meanwhile, the county is sharing important contact information
For non-emergency security inquiries (as well as waste inquiries) related to the county's Emergency Care Establishment licence (ECE03CN-2024) under the town bylaw, call 1-877-770-25654. For emergencies, of course, call 911
For questions about shelter operations, contact the Transition House team at 905-376-9562
For information about Town of Cobourg bylaws, visit Cobourg.ca/en/our-government/Bylaws.aspx or call the Legislative Services Department at 905-372-4301
