As winter approaches and shelters reach full capacity, Greater Sudbury is funding two overnight warming centres to provide temporary relief for people experiencing homelessness. These centres, which will remain open until April, are expected to cost the city nearly $1 million. The trailer at Energy Court, originally set to open on November 1, will now open by the end of November due to administrative delays. Currently, 212 people are living in encampments across 42 locations in the city, with numbers continuing to rise.
In addition to the warming centres, a permanent transitional housing project is under construction on Lorraine Street and is expected to open in early 2025. This 40-unit project will offer the highest level of support for chronically homeless individuals dealing with mental health and substance use issues. The transitional housing program, which provides clinical support, will allow residents to stay for up to 24 months while stabilizing and working on health and well-being. The goal is to help individuals transition into permanent housing.
City officials are also focused on meeting the goals of the Roadmap to End Homelessness by 2030, aiming to implement long-term solutions beyond temporary measures like warming centres.
Watch the full story on CTV News: