The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce will be able to increase shelter space for people experiencing homelessness this winter, thanks to a substantial donation.
Bruce Power has given the charitable organization $16,500 for its homelessness response program.
"Our homelessness response program often operates at full capacity, and this donation will provide critical support in several key areas," The Y's Director of community, employment, and settlement programs Matthew Shute said in a statement issued Thursday. "With this contribution, we’ll be able to offer more shelter space and support over the winter months with increased ability to ensure that our community members facing homelessness are not left without a safe place to stay during critical times."
The program offers shelter to 30 to 50 individuals or families at local motels each month while working to help them out of homelessness and into more stable housing. Over the past year and in partnership with Bruce County, YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce was able to help 250 people transition from homelessness to secure, and affordable housing.
Shute said the newly donated funds will be used to assist in those efforts, which frees up existing shelter space to help those sleeping rough.
"We are proud to support the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce and its efforts to address homelessness in our region,” said John Peevers, Bruce Power's director of community, media relations and economic development. “We believe that by working together, we can help make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families facing homelessness throughout Bruce County.”
Currently there are more than 500 people in the region experiencing chronic homelessness, including over 200 Indigenous people and youth aged 16 to 25.