In contrast to the Monday’s fleeting snowfall that carpeted parts of the region only to disappear by Tuesday afternoon, a definitive sign of continual climatic change is not as elusive. Communities are leveraging this shift in weather as a call to ready their warming centres for those left vulnerable to chilly temperatures.
Sarah Tilley, a representative from the Gilbert Centre, shed some light on the purpose of the warming centre funds. According to her, the centre has the resources to provide warming services via an extended drop-in schedule between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm, all seven days of the week, holidays included.
Established within the premises of the Gilbert Centre in Barrie, this year’s much-needed warming centre offers respite to every visitor, regardless of the external temperature. The establishment is designed to accommodate approximately 30 people at any given time.
Sharing her insights into the escalating problem of homelessness, Tilley stated, “The extent of homelessness we witness today has never touched such unprecedented heights before. We find it absolutely necessary to expand our services, not just confined to Barrie, but also across the regions of Simcoe and Muskoka.”
The Bradford Warming Centre is scheduled to commence operation on Wednesday. Albeit, its service extends exclusively to daytime, activating only when the temperature plunges beyond -10. Jacquie Ridout, a spokesperson from the Bradford centre expressed, “As the singular warming centre in South Simcoe, we experienced a daily turnaround of about seven individuals last winter. This winter our capacity allows for a maximum of ten people. Our hope rests on the demand not escalating to that extent.”
In a new development, operations and staff will be relocated to a full-time, permanent premise at 177 Church Street, the soon-to-be Community Hub building of Bradford. These developed centres stand as a beacon of hope and warmth for all those in need as colder days lie ahead.
