The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board has issued a news release regarding the special board meeting held earlier this week so its members could hear concerns and suggestions from the community regarding a suitable location for a permanent 24/7 shelter and housing hub.
See related: Will public consultation quiet 'homeless hub' hubbub?
Locations not considered ideal are areas directly adjacent to elementary schools, splash pads, wading pools, licensed child care centres or within a residential neighbourhood interior.
DNSSAB recognizes there is no perfect location, so the search for a permanent shelter and housing hub will include strategies for managing potential concerns. The DNSSAB is fortunate to have the Crisis Centre North Bay engaged, as an experienced and knowledgeable shelter operator.
See also: A new homeless hub near downtown North Bay?
At this time, none of the locations currently being investigated can be shared as this may impact the negotiations of any property being considered, however, communication with neighbours and the community will occur when the board arrives at a decision and they are in a position to provide more information.
The permanent hub would offer housing supports as well as connections to other needed social and health services and would incorporate overnight shelter services, reads the release. DNSSAB has engaged a real estate agent to seek out potential locations that would meet the needs of the proposed hub, which include a space of a minimum of 4,000 square feet, within walking distance of North Bay’s downtown core where other social services are located, or easily accessible to other services.
“The DNSSAB appreciates everyone who came to the special meeting, and they can be assured their concerns are being considered in this decision,” says DNSSAB Board Chair Mark King. The demand for the services and supports a shelter and housing hub will provide are needed in this community. Current data shows that 316 individuals are experiencing homelessness in the district.
Presentations were made by organizations representing the North Bay downtown business community, the Chamber of Commerce, a former employee of the Fraser Street warming centre, and a resident in the downtown area. The Board heard about anticipated impacts on businesses should the location of a future hub be downtown; conversely easy access to other social services, many of which are located downtown, was also cited as a need.
In the meantime, a temporary cold weather program will be located at the Northern Pines facility this winter at 590 Chippewa St. W for the upcoming winter season.
