Two prominent local charities are preparing to visit city hall to discuss their plans on bracing for cold winter weather.
Shelter House and Salvation Army executive directors Patty Hajdu and Maj. Rob Kerr are going before Thunder Bay city council on Monday to provide recommendations on projects to help accommodate those in need during the coming months.
Hajdu is presenting the Shelter House’s Cold Weather Pilot Project, which is going to look at ways of ensuring services are maximized during the winter months.
“We’re looking for a process to make sure everybody who needs shelter is able to access it this winter and have the supplies they need to survive the winter,” Hajdu said.
One of those components is an increased partnership between the Shelter House and Salvation Army.
The other two components of the plan are providing transportation and outreach programs through a mobile unit, and providing short-term stays for those publically intoxicated during daytime hours but not requiring further treatment.
Hajdu said homeless rates are increasing in the city. She added the Shelter House facility was built for 42 beds, but has had to increase that number with 20 extra overflow mats to accommodate the higher demand.
Even with that, she said last March and April they had to turn aside eight to 10 people per night due to capacity issues.
Council will also hear a first report from the Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre in respect to their plans to create a new youth centre.
The group is looking to turn the former Prosvita on High Street into the new youth centre.
McKellar Coun. Paul Pugh is in favour of the project, and believes it is the perfect situation for a city that was already exploring options for a youth centre of its own.
“I think it’s a perfect match,” Pugh said. “The city has a high priority trying to get a youth centre, and now almost by accident we have the possibility of a perfect partner.”
Pugh identifies the independent funding, full-time staff and history of the Indian Friendship Centre as being benefits of the project, as well as the convenience of the Prosvita location.
He said he has heard concerns from residents in his ward, which held a meeting last week, including green space, property values and neighbourhood security.
The Indian Friendship Centre is seeking a $2.5 million capital investment from the city, as well as a $300,000 annual operating contribution.
