Sarnia residents may notice more people living "rough" this summer as a county-operated emergency shelter begins to close for the season and as a separate shelter enforces new policies.
The Out of the Cold shelter program is slated to close on April 29, which is later than what was initially anticipated.
With support from the County of Lambton’s Social Services Division, operations were overseen by the Inn of the Good Shepherd. The program ran in addition to the permanent emergency housing spaces offered through The Good Shepherd’s Lodge and The Haven.
As the program began to phase out in March and April, those who were still staying at the overflow shelter were gradually offered beds at The Good Shepherd’s Lodge.
Inn Executive Director Myles Vanni said they initially expected to close the program earlier this month as occupancy was down to approximately five people.
"Some had moved to the Lodge, some had left on their own … Then with River City kicking folks out, it just brought more people back into our overflow," said Vanni.
As of April 10, River City Vineyard (RCV) transitioned its "East Side" shelter to a drug-free facility just as it had done with its "West Side Sanctuary".
"Our experience shows us that we cannot help people who are substance abusing. They don’t want help, they just want their next fix—at all costs," read an emailed statement from Pastoral Team Leader George Esser. "River City Vineyard has always tried to be part of the solution. Homelessness is not solely River City Vineyard’s problem, it is everyone’s problem. Helping clients find stability and sobriety is the best long-term solution we have found to combat homelessness."
Esser said with changes to the "East Side" they have been dealing with more frequent challenges regarding theft and vandalism.
"While we have 18 years of experience providing those experiencing homelessness with shelter, we have never seen it this chaotic," Esser said. "It appears that street drugs are leading to more violence and aggression. We are witnessing less respect, and increased expectations seem to be the norm."
RCV also stopped handing out snack bags in April due to depleted donations, an influx of visitors, and consistent littering outside of the facility.
"Our staff and resources are both exhausted," read the letter.
General Manager of Social Services Valerie Colasanti said while the change at RCV has recently prompted individuals to go to the Out of the Cold overflow shelter, there are no plans at this time to extend the program further.
"We've run the overflow for the last few years and what we find when the warm weather comes, a lot of individuals do prefer to live rough. They don't want to stay in the congregate care settings, so they will leave and we don't anticipate that will change," Colasanti said. "We know that individuals just don't want to come into the shelter. We have available shelter beds now and many individuals are still choosing to live rough."
While there are beds at the Good Shepherd’s Lodge and The Haven, Colasanti said motel rooms will be used if necessary.
During times of extreme heat waves, Colasanti said heating and cooling locations can be found throughout the county, including public libraries. Centre locations can be found on Lambton Public Health's website.
In the meantime, Colasanti said work continues to be done to try to place homeless individuals into more permanent housing.
The Housing and Homelessness Resource Centre will continue to operate at the former Laurel Lea-St. Matthews Presbyterian Church once the Out of the Cold program ends.
