As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all homeless shelters in Simcoe County, including Out of the Cold Collingwood, have moved their residents into local hotels.
Over the last week, concerns mounted about the inability to apply the important principle of social distancing at shelters designed to host a multitude of people.
After discussions between the area shelters, the municipalities, health agencies and the County of Simcoe, it was decided the move was necessary.
In Collingwood, Community Connection, the organization overseeing Out of the Cold Collingwood, developed a hybrid shelter model which uses the current space at 250 Peel Street for intake, meal preparation and distribution from 7-9 p.m. every evening. However, instead of guests sleeping at the Peel Street location, they are given a room in a local motel.
The move could not have happened without the support of the County of Simcoe. Essentially, the county will cover the costs of the hotel rooms.
According to a news release from Out of the Cold Collingwood, there are currently seven guests who have been relocated to the motel, the location and identity of the motel is not being released.
The local shelter also expects to remain in operation past its originally scheduled closing date of April 25 until the emergency is over.
The extended operation will mean additional costs for Out of the Cold and Community Connection is appealing to the public for support via online financial donations.
If you would like to made an online donation, you can do it on the Out of the Cold website.
- With files from Dave Dawson
