Gaps left by closure of only youth shelter beds in Sudbury
On Monday, the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth permanently closed after its board revealed it was insolvent.
The move closed many programs for young people, including the only youth shelter beds in the city. As a temporary solution, the city is funding a youth warming centre at the Samaritan Centre.
Gabe Krauer, 22, is homeless and is using the centre.
“My family is homeless just as much as me and the toughest part about being homeless is dealing with the weather because it does get cold a night,” Krauer said.
For the past two nights, he stayed at the overnight youth warming centre that just opened at the Samaritan Centre. He was a regular client at SACY, which operated the only youth shelter beds in the city.
Gail Spencer, manager of housing stability and homelessness for the City of Greater Sudbury, said many adults that are experiencing homelessness now started their experience of homelessness as a youth. (Alana Everson/CTV News)
“Helped me when I was roaming the streets and homeless -- they helped me out big time,” Krauer said.
“They would always cook me food and stuff and give me comfort -- make me feel comfortable.”
He lives on $720 a month on ODSP because of his developmental disabilities. He said he’s grateful to have services like a place to shower and do laundry at the Elgin Street Mission located at the Samaritan Centre.
With the closure of SACY, the city is funding a temporary overnight warming centre for youth ages 16-24 upstairs at the Samaritan Centre.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
“A lot of adults that are experiencing homelessness now started their experience of homelessness … as a youth,” said Gail Spencer, manager of housing stability and homelessness for the City of Greater Sudbury.
“We are really trying to head people off at the pass by providing youth with the specific supports that they may need.”
The city confirmed several community partners are discussing what vulnerable youth need right now and how to fill gaps left by the closure of SACY, including youth shelter beds.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.