Cold Weather Program Opens
A temporary Cold Weather Housing Response Program has opened at the current site of Northern Pines (590 Chippewa Street)
The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board says the program, which will be operated by the Crisis Centre North Bay, will offer access to bathrooms, showers, laundry, food and shelter during the upcoming winter months.
DNSSAB says along with the basic necessities, the temporary program will also provide daytime shelter that will help those experiencing homelessness access the community services, including crisis stabilization and housing access being the primary focus.
Officials say key partners such as the North Bay Regional Health Centre and Community Paramedicine are already delivering on-site services, “which is improving health and social outcomes”
DNSSAB says the Crisis Centre has been holding town hall meetings with shelter clients, emphasizing program rules and expected behaviours. Along with 24/7 security, officials add highly visible physical signage is being added to key locations to remind clients of areas to avoid. Police have also been asked to assign additional officers, when possible, to the area to support safety.
The Community Paramedicine program has also started work out of the location. According to DSSAB, “the program provides primary care and can be a gateway to conversations about longer-term solutions for individuals who need support. This service will be complemented by the North Bay Regional Health Centre’s Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program, providing recovery-oriented mental health service for people with serious mental illness and a Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic, specializing in addiction treatment at Northern Pines.”
“Simply providing shelter from the cold to the vulnerable in our community is not enough,” says DNSSAB Chair, Mark King. “The addition of the extra services and the focus on stabilizing people in crisis with the support they need will benefit the whole community, and we are very fortunate to have Crisis Centre North Bay, with their vast experience, operate the program.”
The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board in collaboration with the City of North Bay, Crisis Centre North Bay, and other partners, is actively seeking a permanent location for a 24/7 Integrated Shelter and Housing Hub.
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