The City of Stratford has approved extended hours for the Connection Centre this winter, in order to operate as a temporary warming shelter.
The centre, operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Huron Perth out of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, will now operate 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. overnight.
The expanded hours were approved by council at a special meeting Monday.
The CMHA says the centre will provide a warm, safe space for those experiencing homelessness, or a temporary respite for those who may be precariously housed.
No beds will be provided, but the service will be a resting space with tables and refreshments, and hot meals available through community meal programs already in place. Two CMHA social service workers and a private security guard will staff the centre.
City Council approved providing up to $350,000 in funding for the warming centre over the next two winters. Its Social Services department will also maintain the existing program of emergency accommodations through motels.
