Huron County is Making Some Changes to its Emergency Cold Weather Shelter in Goderich This Winter

By Bob Montgomery

Warden Glen McNeil says Huron County council at its last meeting approved a proposal to move to a motel model for accommodations for those that find themselves homeless. It will start on the first of November and continue until the end of April. McNeil says the motel model will allow those who find themselves homeless to engage with professionals who can provide wraparound services for them. McNeil says the County is partnering with Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services for the third consecutive year in delivering the service and they know that providing that wraparound services is a critical part of providing housing for people who are homeless.

McNeil says they have had success with the motel model in the past. The motel model will provide emergency temporary shelter 7 days per week, 24 hours per day, on-site staff support Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and 24 hour on-call support. Intake will be managed by CMHA Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In addition, emergency intake opportunities will remain available. Guests will have access to a drop-in centre, hot meals, peer support volunteers, life skills development opportunities, and more.
Huron County Housing Services Manager Christine Hoffman says the new motel model will continue to maintain the theme of temporary emergency accommodation, and guests will enter into signed occupancy agreements that outline expectations. Staff will continue to provide a variety of supportive services, both on and off-site, that are designed to lead to permanent housing solutions.

McNeil says Huron County council understands that everyone deserves access to a safe and affordable home and they are working to be part of the solution to both prevent, and address homelessness.

More information on Huron’s housing programs can be found at www.HuronCounty.ca/housing.