As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all homeless shelters in Simcoe County have moved their residents into local hotels.
The current health crisis has forced organizations, including the David Busby Centre in downtown Barrie, to find alternative ways to serve their residents.
Over the last week, concerns mounted about the inability to apply the important principle of social distancing at shelters designed to host a multitude of people.
After discussions between the area shelters, the municipalities, health agencies and the County of Simcoe, it was decided the move was necessary.
In a statement on their Facebook page, Busby Centre executive director Sara Peddle announced the unprecedented measures.
"March 19, we decided that the best course of action is moving our operations temporarily into a local motel for our most vulnerable, as well as providing tent, tarps and sleeping gear for those who are living rough then we are bringing food to their locations through outreach," she said.
The move could not have happened without the support of the county, Peddle said. Essentially, the county will cover the costs of the hotel rooms.
"They (the county) have committed financial support to make sure we can still be operational as well as provide appropriate safety measures required to help flatten he curve of this pandemic," Peddle said. "We thank the county leadership and staff for recognizing the the urgency in this situation and assisting us to take the necessary action to ensure our homeless population continues to be served, supported and protected through these extremely challenging times."
It’s been a harrowing few weeks for the homeless and the organizations that support them. At a time when people are being urged to maintain social distancing and to stay at home to stop the spread of the coronavirus, they don’t even have a roof over their head.
The Busby Centre facility, located on Mulcaster Street across from the courthouse, won't be completely empty. It will still be used to prepare meals that will be delivered to the motel. It will also be staffed to accept donations.
"We will have staff onsite at 88 Mulcaster to provide information and direction as well as accept donations," said Peddle. "Please accept our apologies in advance if you are not getting through on the phone line as we have been receiving a higher number of calls then usual."
If you have a question about Busby Centre services, call 705-739-6916.
To donate to the outreach van, call 705-790-5654.
Orillia’s Lighthouse is also no longer a haven for the homeless in the Sunshine City. They have moved their residents into local hotels.
“Everyone concluded this was the next best, safest step to take with all the shelters,” said Linda Goodall, the executive director of the Lighthouse.
On Saturday night, Goodall and three other staff members moved some supplies and the 14 Lighthouse residents into an Orillia hotel.
“The generosity of the hotel has been unbelievable,” said Goodall.
Goodall concedes it’s been “a challenging time,” but she's grateful for the dedication and hard work of the Peter Street facility’s staff and its legion of volunteers.
“Without question, many of our residents would literally be on the streets without this happening,” she said.
— With files from Dave Dawson
