310 Division Street: Modernizing shelter services to address community need

No — 310 Division Street will offer roughly the same number of shelter spaces as available in Cobourg today.

Current shelter spaces in Cobourg include:

• 22 emergency shelter spaces at Transition House and 15 additional spaces through arrangements with motels as an overflow measure, for a total of 37 emergency shelter spaces.
• 20 drop-in Warming Hub spaces

Plans for 310 Division Street include approximately 35 emergency shelter spaces, and a warming/cooling centre. This aligns with recommendations from a third-party review, commissioned by the County in 2023, which recommended shifting to an updated facility with a minimum of 25 shelter spaces.

Use of illegal substances is not permitted at the shelter and will not be permitted at 310 Division Street.

'Low barrier' means improving access to shelter services by lowering barriers to entry such as:

• sobriety requirements
• Income requirements
• space for couples
• space for pets
• accessibility features

What is not permitted at the shelter?

• Violence/threats of violence
• Sexual harassment/sexual violence
• Theft/excessive damage to property
• Use/distribution of substances

Wraparound services refer to when a team of service providers and key figures in an individual's life come together to create and implement a plan of support. These services are designed to offer accessible and essential supports to meet the individual needs. Some of these services are offered by professionals, such as educators, mental health workers, employment counsellors, case coordinators, and health care providers, who work with people to help meet their goals.

For example, if an individual has mental health challenges, diabetes and no income, wraparound supports for this individual could include on-site services from Northumberland Hills Hospital Community Mental Health Services, medical support from Northumberland Community Paramedics, and financial assistance from Northumberland County Community & Social Services.

What measures are in place for wraparound supports when 310 Division Street becomes operational?

Council more than doubled investments in the homelessness system in 2023, with levels to be maintained in 2024, which enabled street outreach services to be expanded, so staff who support people experiencing homelessness and support community well-being are available.

The site is anticipated to open in early spring. It will follow established shelter best-practices. Community partners that offer health, housing, social, mental health and addiction and life skills building programs will be engaged. Wraparound services at the site will be in place and the indoor environment allows for a full range of programming.

The County and Transition House both take security seriously. We will be working to mitigate any negative impacts to the community, and to keep people using the facility safe.

Transition House is committed to safety measures as a good neighbour, including:

• 24/7 on-site staff
• Installation of a security system
• Assessment of lighting and fencing on the property
• We are also exploring engagement of professional security services — to be determined as part of our current planning process.

It is important to remember: homelessness is a housing status; being homeless is not a crime nor does it mean people experiencing homelessness have or will commit crimes. Offering services to support people who are experiencing homelessness, people who are at risk of homelessness, or individuals who need help to live independently in the community does not mean crime will increase.

It is important not to discriminate against service users by assuming they are responsible for all issues in the community moving forward. If a service user is responsible, they will be held accountable for their actions, as any other member of the community would be held accountable.

No — there is no impact on taxes from the purchase of 310 Division Street.

$2.3 million dollars was pulled from Northumberland County's Housing & Homelessness reserves to purchase the facility on behalf of Transition House. Northumberland County is entering into a mortgage buy-back agreement with Transition House for repayment. As part of the repayment strategy, Transition House plans to sell their 10 Chapel Street location upon relocation of services.

Transition House is currently developing operational and capital budgets for sustainable delivery of services at 310 Division Street. With this move, efficiencies are anticipated by consolidating shelter services to a single site.

The agreement with Northumberland County for the delivery of shelter services at 310 Division Street will include the continuation of financial contributions from the County.

As a registered charity, Transition House will be applying for Provincial and Federal funding programs, and will develop a fundraising strategy to source increased community contributions.

After the move, Transition House plans to sell the 10 Chapel Street location, with proceeds of the sale being reinvested into 310 Division Street.

The decision to relocate shelter services to 310 Division Street is rooted in the need for a more suitable facility. There is an opportunity for significant modernization and enhancement of services at the new location. These service enhancements will build on recommendations from the third-party review of our local shelter system, commissioned by County in 2023.

Northumberland County is also part of multiple province-wide and Canada-wide social service networks, which regularly share best practices. These networks include:

• Ontario Municipal Social Services Association
• Built for Zero Canada
• Canadian Housing Renewal Association
• Provincial Housing Strategy Steering Committee (Senior leadership from municipal service managers with responsibility for housing)

Knowledge-sharing at tables like these continues to inform provision of housing and homelessness services in Northumberland, including the modernization of shelter services at 310 Division Street.

County staff are in regular communication with colleagues at Durham Region, including discussions to learn more about plans for a new shelter in the Town of Whitby.

County staff are aware of Durham Region’s collaboration with the Town on an agreement pertaining to the new shelter. Recognizing distinct differences between the Whitby initiative and plans for 310 Division Street, County staff have been examining what aspects of the Whitby agreement may be applicable for any future arrangements with the Town of Cobourg.

As plans for 310 Division Street move forward, the County will be engaging directly with the Town of Cobourg for further discussion.

Creation of a Community Liaison Committee is a point of interest we've heard throughout the engagement process. This will be highlighted in the final report coming forward to County Council and Transition House for consideration as part of implementation plans.

Service restrictions are applied as a last resort to address violation of significant shelter rules. In cases where an individual is facing service restrictions, staff will try to seek alternatives for the individual through diversion supports.

Diversion supports may include:

• Family reunification services: connecting individuals with family or friends willing to provide support by facilitating communication, assisting with travel, etc.
• Transportation assistance: helping to connect individuals with their support networks or access housing options in nearby communities.

Northumberland County and Transition House Shelter continue to engage with community partners to reinforce the emergency shelter system and provide necessary supports for people experiencing homelessness.