The Canadian Mental Health Association - Sudbury/Manitoulin (CMHA – S/M) hosted an open house at the new location of the Off The Street (OTS) Emergency Shelter ahead of its opening on November 1.
“We are also pleased to host this open house as it gives the public a chance to see how OTS Emergency Shelter helps vulnerable individuals in our community,” said Marion Quigley, CEO, CMHA – S/M.
During the month of November through to April 15, 2019, the low-barrier shelter will offer warmth, cots, meals, snack and outreach/referral services to Sudbury's homeless at its temporary location at Church of Christ the King.
"When Christ the King offered up this space, it's been a great, good news story for everybody," said Gail Spencer, "It's allowed us to operate the program this winter in a downtown location. It's accessible, it's safe, it's open, it's bright and we are very well-pleased."
Over 450 uniquely identified individuals who accessed services at the OTS shelter and on average 38 beds were used per night during the Nov. 2017 - April 2018 season.
Low barrier shelters aim to help as many people as possible. People who are under the influence will not be turned away; however, no drugs, alcohol or weapons will be permitted on the premises.
Not everyone that uses the shelter chooses to stay there. Harm reduction programs are an important component of the OTS mandate. Some 3,461 individuals used the shelter for referral and outreach services throughout the course of last winter. As a result of those services, 33 individuals were able to find permanent housing.
Renovations to the OTS shelter's 200 Larch Street location will be complete after the winter season. The inside of the building on Larch has been gutted out and is ready for construction, which should begin in the next couple of weeks. Once completed, harm reduction programs will be located on the top floor and the shelter will be located on the main floor.
In the meantime, some limitations will be experienced by the parish at Church of Christ the King, but the congregation is enthusiastic about helping. "It's a great opportunity and we're happy to be a part of it," said Father Jim Ketzler of Church of Christ the King. "Everybody works together."
Donations of non-perishable food, coffee, tea, disposable plates and utensils, toiletries and gently-worn winter clothing (e.g. sweaters, coats, hats, gloves) as well as new socks and undergarments are being accepted ahead of Nickel City's cold winter. Items may be dropped off at CMHA-S/M’s main office at 111 Elm Street.
For more information, visit the CMHA website.
