Review calls for homeless hub in North Bay
A review of the homelessness system in the District of Nipissing recommends North Bay have an integrated low-barrier shelter and homeless hub.
The Homelessness System Review Feasibility Study was commissioned by the local social services board last fall to coincide with the housing needs and supply study.
But the chair of the board, Mark King, is not a fan of the idea.
“We’ve already done that at Northern Pines,” King said.
“We’ve probably invested about $14 million into that particular project.”
A new feasibility study focusing on helping individuals obtain permanent housing reviewed the current system to identify gaps, cultural equity, barriers.
“There was a gentleman sleeping in the doorway this morning when I got here,” said Kevin Chalmers, who has struggled with homelessness.
The consultant recommends developing a 24/7 business model for homelessness services, including an integrated low barrier shelter and homeless hub.
The report said this type of model aligns with the district’s goal of ending chronic homelessness – while at the same time provide pathways to services like emergency shelters, warming sites, food security and outreach services.
“I could see a certain portion of the recommendation from the consultant with respect to the hub as an information centre,” King said.
“I wouldn’t want to go further than that.”
“I stayed at the low barrier last year and there is a long tedious operation just to get in to get a bed,” Chalmers added.
The board is exploring the costs and resources required for planning, implementation, and operation, as well as recommendations on how to secure funding for operations should it want to further explore this option.
“One of the things I think was important in the recommendations was to actually realize the importance of outreach… providing people with information and trying to help them find the supports they need,” King said.
The board said the report will be used to shape the next 10-year housing and homelessness plan for the district.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Conservatives, NDP should be 'celebrating' EV deals: industry minister
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne says federal opposition parties should be 'celebrating' the recently announced electric vehicle deals, despite their criticisms the Liberals refuse to make public the terms and conditions laid out in the contracts.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
His SUV was stolen on Montreal's South Shore. Then he got a $156 parking ticket
A couple is frustrated after their SUV was stolen from Montreal's South Shore in March and they received a parking ticket for the same vehicle last week.
Jesus is their saviour, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
VIA Rail service delayed for hours due to suspicious package investigation in Kingston, Ont.
VIA Rail service resumed in the Kingston, Ont. area late Saturday afternoon, after a suspicious package investigation halted train service for more than four hours over the Victoria Day long weekend.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
To plant or not to plant? Gardening tips for May long weekend
May long weekend is finally here, and with the extra time off you may be getting the itch to head out to your garden and plant. However, the old debate whether you should plant now, or wait, is still ever-present.