Shelters saw full capacity with no slow down over the holiday break amid harsh weather conditions. With the harsh winter the region has been experiencing, those experiencing homelessness continue to struggle in the snowy and freezing conditions. Warming shelters and advocate groups, like the Busby Centre, have seen firsthand those struggling. Sara Peddle, executive director of the Busby Centre said there has been an increase in numbers due to the weather conditions. “We’re also seeing a lot more people coming in because the elements are just so dangerous,” said Peddle. “We’ve seen quite a few people that have dangerous frostbite at this point and it’s, really, really sad to see.” Centres like Busby and The Lighthouse in Orillia continue to operate at 100 per cent capacity over the holidays. Dale Rowe, executive director of The Lighthouse, said being at full capacity is not surprising at this time of year. “We’re always at capacity and so we’re definitely seeing people, signing up on our triage list for a space, so when the space is open, they’re filled right away,” said Rowe. “The weather is definitely a component. It has been freezing and the snow has been relentless.” Despite shelters being at full capacity, The Lighthouse and Busby Centre have started the year off on a more positive note, seeing a number of people entering homes and off the streets. We’ve had a few people housed over the holidays, which is all we can ask for,” said Peddle. “Specifically, three people today.” “We’ve actually been able to house at least six people so far which is really an incredible accomplishment,” said Rowe. The County of Simcoe continues to support the region as its winter warming strategy has provided 140 warming centre spaces including 90 in Barrie and moved away from a temperature-activated model this winter, paving the way for 24/7 warming centres in Barrie and Orillia. Andrew Scavarelli, director of housing & homelessness services for the County of Simcoe said the move to 24/7 warming centres has been crucial due to the harsh winter the region is having. “Given the conditions we’ve had, it’s been imperative, and we certainly know that it’s prevented a considerable amount of cold-related injuries or worse that we know our vulnerable populations, especially those unsheltered, are much more exposed to,” said Scavarelli. Scavarelli added that warming centres are expected to remain open until the end of April with options to extend, depending on the situation.
