Quinte West council meeting held on Oct. 4th. Photo Courtesy of Quinte West Council official YouTube.
By Charlotte Oduol [1]
BELLEVILLE – Quinte West council expressed support at its meeting Monday night for the idea of a warming centre in the city this coming winter.
This proposal was presented to council by a group led Rev. Isaac Mundy, the minister at Trenton United Church.
The proposed warming centre would be similar to the one now operating in Belleville. It will be located in Trenton United Church on Dundas Street East [2], and is expected to operate between the months of November and April.
When it’s up and running, the warming centre will be open from 8pm to 8am on evenings when the temperature is forecast to be -10 degrees celsius or lower. It will be temperature activated and will provide a warm place to sleep and stay to individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurities, due to financial strain and other difficulties.
The initiative will not only help refer and identify individuals needing shelter but also provide additional support to these guests in terms of finding further long term resources such as mental health services, addiction services, or support through any other crisis that they may need.
Rev. Mundy said several conversations have been had with the public health and Hastings County on how to better and safely run this project.
He believes it’s a step towards the right direction on fighting the ongoing housing crisis.
Council passed a motion in support of the idea. Hastings County council will be asked to provide financial support for the idea.