County stats offer a picture of service to date at 310 Division St.

Northumberland County Warming Space. Northumberland 89.7 FM File Photo.

By Cecilia Nasmith

Cobourg

Northumberland County has released statistics that show its new shelter in Cobourg is making a difference in many lives, including the seven individuals already transitioned to permanent housing.

Northumberland County has released a number of stats to mark a milestone at their homeless shelter at 310 Division St. in Cobourg – one month since opening the upstairs rooms and two since the opening of their ground-floor warming room.

More than 160 unique clients have accessed these services, about 25% of whom have indicated they were living rough prior to then. Among the number have been four couples and three people with pets, a demographic who would previously have been unable to be accommodated.

Warden Brian Ostrander said in the announcement that he is encouraged by the positive impact seen at the shelter.

“This is a critical step in the journey towards long-term solutions for homelessness in our community,” Ostrander said. “The progress made in such a short period speaks to the power of collaboration and the community's commitment to creating lasting change.”

“As we continue to work together, we are focused on building on this momentum to ensure that those facing homelessness have the support and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives and integrate back into the community.”

Other highlights were listed.

Transition House, which operates the shelter, has established partnerships with Hope and Light Outreach Services to serve lunch on-site twice a week, and with the Salvation Army for dinner one night a week. Including those co-ordinated by staff, more than 456 meals have been served to clients during this period, offering not just nutrition but a sense of care and community at a difficult time.

Six other community organizations have begun offering on-site services, improving access for clients and increasing opportunities for life stabilization. The list includes the county's Community and Social Services department, Northumberland Paramedics with their Community Paramedicine Program, Northumberland Hills Hospital's Community Mental Health Services, the Help Centre, the Legal Centre and Four Counties Addiction Services Team (Fourcast).

Through collaborative efforts with systems partners, seven individuals have transitioned to permanent housing, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward stability and independence.

This all underscores a central tenet of Transition House's mandate – to help individuals rebuild their lives and re-enter their community in a positive and sustainable way.

Executive Director Ike Nwibe said he is gratified to see the impact.

“This is more than just a place to stay – it's a space where individuals can find safety, access support services and begin to build a better future,” Nwibe said.

“We are grateful to community members and partner agencies for joining us in this work to provide critical services and supports to people living unhoused in Northumberland. This support will continue to be vital to helping us meet the diverse needs of the people being served, and to ensure successful integration of the shelter within the community.”

The county has worked closely with Transition House and members of the community to ensure on-going collaboration. This includes the December launch of the 310 Division Community Liaison Committee, fulfilling a key recommendation of public consultations held in early 2024. To date, two productive meetings have taken place with a focus on developing a communications protocol and creating recommendations to improve community safety and well-being. You can contact them at ShelterCLC@northumberland.ca and view their agendas and minutes at Northumberland.ca/ShelterModernization

One significant way members of the community can help is to share accurate information within their networks. Northumberland County and Transition House Coalition regularly share information and updates through social media channels and websites (Northumberland.ca/ShelterModernization and THShelter,ca). They hope members of the community will consider resharing this information to expand its reach and help get it into the hands of more community members.

Transition House plans to engage volunteers in different aspects of shelter services in the future. Anyone interested is invited to e-mail info@shelter.ca and Transition House will reach out as they become ready to begin engaging volunteers.

Donations are always appreciated, such as financial contributions to Transition House (www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/79494) or other local agencies delivering these services.

In terms of material donations, different needs crop up at different times, Currently, Transition House is collecting donations of new or gently used adult winter clothing (including jackets, boots and socks) as well as such specific food items as coffee and sugar. You can drop off these donations at the shelter during business hours. Members of the community interested in making this type of donation in the future are encouraged to contact the shelter about specific areas of need.

For more information about the shelter, visit Northumberland.ca/ShelderModernization.

For non-emergency enquiries on security or waste related to the establishment (Licence ECE03CN-2024) under the town bylaw, please call 1-877-770-2564.

For questions about shelter operations, call the Transition House team at 905-376-9562.

For information on town bylaws, visit Cobourg.ca/en/our-government/Bylaws.aspx or call the Legislative Services Department at 905-372-4301.