The Fort Frances Homelessness Committee and the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board (RRDSSAB) are pleased to announce the “Out of the Cold” overnight warming centre will have a new home this winter.
In partnership with the Homelessness Committee, the RRDSSAB will again staff the centre and have secured a lease for the Apostolic Way Church. The warming centre for this year will be located in the basement of the church at 324 Victoria Ave. (on the corner of Church Street and Victoria Avenue).
“The committee is very excited to be able to utilize this space this year, as we have now come full circle. Issues last year prevented us from moving forward in this space, but with the support of DSSAB this year it is a reality for ‘Out of the Cold’ this winter,” remarked committee co-chair Jamie Petrin.
“It is very relieving to know that we will be able to offer people in need a safe space in out of the cold again this winter,” she added.
The “Out of the Cold” warming centre is expected to open in mid-December with overnight service.
The goal of the committee is to open the doors seven nights per week, but is still in need of qualified staff.
Currently, there are enough staff to open four nights per week.
The RRDSSAB continues to recruit staff and encourages anyone who is interested in working with individuals experiencing homelessness to apply.
Regarding the role of the Rainy River DSSAB in ensuring the centre could open, integrated services manager Sandra Weir said, “The DSSAB remains committed to finding solutions to eliminate homelessness and create more affordable housing within the Rainy River District.”
“Our organization was happy to take this opportunity to support the committee in their efforts to get individuals experiencing homelessness in out of the cold.
“With our qualified staff in place, the ultimate goal is to assist these individuals in obtaining stable, affordable housing.”
The committee is also seeking volunteers who are able to obtain a clear criminal reference check to support the centre.
Interested individuals can contact laureen.morrish@krrcfs.ca for more information.
Please visit “Out of the Cold Fort Frances” on Facebook to keep informed of the latest new developments.
