The final push to get 88 Mulcaster St. ready is on, but is only one of the many things happening with the always busy David Busby Stree Centre.
The Busby Centre has long been a beacon of hope for those living with homelessness and/or at risk of being homeless.
The building at the corner of Mulcaster and McDonald streets has been undergoing renovations since May to improve the quality of help to those who need it and to allow for more room for the many staff and volunteers involved with the Busby.
Busby Centre executive director Sara Peddle told BarrieToday they are hoping for the best when it comes to renovations being done in time for the weekend.
“We’re crossing our fingers, toes and everything else that needs crossing that we’ll be ready to go by the weekend coming,” she said. “The early cold snap had us relying on the generosity of nearby churches for lodging for those in need, but when we’re up and running we can then take care of those situations.”
The renovations will double the size of the current 3,000-square-foot facility and allow for the sheltering of the many who look to come in from the cold winter months.
While the update has been happening, the well-known Street Outreach truck has been making the rounds throughout town.
The truck runs Monday to Friday, 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It connects with people who may not be comfortable with the traditional methods of help or who may find it hard to get to the Busby Centre.
The truck does provide food and water, but also harm-reduction items, blankets, counselling and community referrals.
“The Street Outreach truck isn’t usually as busy in the winter months than the summer because most folks tend to head inside during the cold,” Peddle said. “That said, our winter numbers have increased this year all around and we are seeing our services being used by more and more in the community who need it.
"The affordable housing crisis is dire right now and there is a need to end more than ever; we are trying to end homelessness entirely and will keep going till we do," she added.
The Busby Centre is always working to connect people to their needs, but on Monday, Dec. 17, the East Bayfield Community Centre will host a Busby Night. A 7:30 p.m. game between the Barrie Colts peewee 'A' white team and the peewee 'A' blue team at the Green Rink is hoping to raise $5 per person in attendance.
Peddle says she hopes the crowd is huge and loud for the kids giving their all.
“One of our volunteers stepped up and organized this event in hopes of not only raising awareness to what we do, but also in hopes of raising funds to go toward the renovations to 88 Mulcaster,” said Peddle. “This is a fun night for many to come out and enjoy an evening of hockey and help those in the community who don’t get to go to games and have fun nights out because they are more worried about where they’re going to sleep that night.
"We want to see lots of people there not only donating, but being loud and cheering the kids on.”
For more information on the David Busby Street Centre and the services it provides, visit www.busbycentre.ca.
If you need or someone you know needs the Outreach Truck, or if you need it to pick up your donations, call 1-877-845-0840 during van hours.
