MPP David Piccini announced on Friday that the Government of Ontario is supporting a temporary capacity expansion for Transition House Emergency Shelter in the gymnasium of Cobourg Collegiate Institute starting tonight.
30 additional beds are expected to become available at CCI as shelters are unable to operate at full capacity while meeting public health guidelines.
An agreement between Kawartha Pine Ride District School Board (KPRDSB), Northumberland County and Transition House will enable the County’s only emergency homelessness shelter to continue to support and house the homeless during this unprecedented time.
“It is important that our Government takes decisive action to protect citizens during this difficult time,” said MPP David Piccini. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our Government is being proactive in solving problems affecting our most vulnerable.”
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board quickly agreed to utilize infrastructure to support an additional facility for Transition House to house residents safely, maintain social distancing and meeting public health guidelines. In less than 48 hours, community partners came together to make this shelter a reality.
“We thank MPP Piccini for his leadership in bringing community partners together to develop this unique solution to a local challenge,” said Bob Sanderson, Warden, Northumberland County. “We also thank the staff of Transition House, along with the KPR District School Board, the HKPR District Health Unit, the Cobourg Fire and Cobourg Police departments, and others for their collaboration in ensuring the ongoing provision of safe and effective shelter services for those experiencing homelessness in Northumberland.”
“These are unprecedented times that are requiring uncommon actions to support our communities. As an organization, we take great pride in being a responsive and caring community partner. When the need was presented to us by MPP Piccini and others, it was our pleasure to open our doors to Transition House,” said Diane Lloyd, Chairperson, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.
“The health and safety of our clients and staff is Transition House’s number one priority. The temporary relocation of emergency shelter services to Cobourg Collegiate Institute will enable us to implement the recommended social distancing measures in our operations, and strengthen prevention against COVID-19 in the emergency shelter system,” said Anne Newman, Executive Director, Transition House.
On Monday, Ontario declared a provincial state of emergency and made an initial investment of over $300 million to support immediate measures to protect seniors, the most vulnerable and our front line health care professionals.
