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The capacity at the local warming centre is 25, so that means some people who have already had the chance to have a hot drink and get out of the elements are asked to leave for a while so others may have the same opportunity.
This situation at the warming centre was discussed during Wednesday's District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board meeting. Members commended the staff and volunteers from the Gathering Place who've stepped up to the plate to support the vulnerable members of the community, along with the support of members of other community agencies.
See related: Chippa: Familiar faces will help emergency warming centre run smoothly
Staffing shortages — attributed to the pandemic — among community partners led to the delayed opening of the warming centre until the first week of February. The centre is open mornings Monday to Friday and most afternoons at current staffing levels. The operation expects to stay open until March 31 or until the coldest nights have passed.
See also: No warming centre due to 'staffing challenges' — DNSSAB
DNSSAB Director of Housing Stacey Cyopeck shares "the attendance right now is exceeding the [25-person capacity] so they are having to rotate folks throughout the day."
The capacity at the former offices of the local health unit on Commercial Street is capped by public health measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not yet able to use all of the space available, the partners continue to seek volunteers so the operation can possibly be expanded in the former school and so they can staff more afternoons, with an eye to opening up on weekends.
Cyopeck also tells the board the North Bay Police Service has noted calls for "suspicious concerns and minor theft complaints have decreased since the warming centre opened."
Funding through DNSSAB for the warming centre was reallocated from money intended for daytime programming at the Chippewa Street shelter.
Board member and Coun. Scott Robertson says the warming centre situation is one he hears a great deal about from concerned citizens.
"I hope it's evident to staff and this board this kind of daytime programming is absolutely necessary, particularly in the winter," he says. "I really hope this is something we're able to spend the spring, the summer, and fall working on so we have some kind of permanent programming for next year."
Robertson says it wasn't long ago the lack of overnight shelters was the major problem while the public library served as the impromptu warming centre.
"That is not an appropriate place for people to go with mental health and addictions issues. I really hope we have a solution in place long before next winter," he adds, while acknowledging the unique circumstances the public health measures have created.
In response to Robertson's comments and for information for the board, DNSSAB CAO Catherine Matheson says the Chippewa Street shelter and transitional housing have been the focus for the past couple of years.
Matheson clarifies it's an "upstream approach, to try to provide services that are necessary, in a fulsome way, so that individuals have everything they need in their home — as opposed to having to travel for services or be unhoused."
The CAO advises this is a priority of the board and work will continue with community partners.
Funding has been used to find safe and available shelter for people, and Matheson adds, "the extenuating circumstances were really related to Covid and the availability of staff. As much as there was goodwill in the community to work together, those circumstances prevented what the community wanted to happen, which was to have the [Chippewa Street] shelter open during the day for extreme cold weather from the beginning to the end of the season."
