THUNDER BAY – With the bitter cold temperatures returning, shelters across Thunder Bay continue to welcome those who don’t have a warm place to go.
Executive director Holly Gauvin said that even though the facility was only open for half of the day due to a staff shortage, they still served 130 people on Wednesday.
“Our outreach workers were out first thing (Wednesday) morning to ensure that people were OK and that they made it through the night,” Gauvin noted.
“We also like to make sure that they have the gear they need.
“We have had a lot worse winters here in Thunder Bay and while we are grateful for the winter weather we did experience; it does make me worry about what’s to come.”
Gauvin also spoke about the city asking for input on designated encampments through a new survey.
“Hopefully the results will give us an idea as to what are the best possible options for people who are living unsheltered in our city,” Gauvin said.
“This way we can better coordinate services access and appropriate resources for people and keep them as safe as we can while they're going through a really difficult time.”
Gauvin feels having designated encampments can be a challenge.
“It will depend on a possible location and how much consultation work is done. We have seen this idea in some communities where it has been really effective and in others where the individuals are put in a provincial park.
“The last thing I want to see is people get isolated and left without the resources and support that they need. A designated encampment on paper looks like a great idea but there's a lot more consultation that needs to take place before you can actually rule it in or out.”
The survey period closes on April 1 at midnight.
