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
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.