Shelter Backgrounder Q & A's

 

Do we have a homelessness problem in Sarnia - I mean, we don't see people sleeping on street corners?

 

Our homeless tend to do a lot of couch surfing (staying with family, friends and acquaintances each for a few nights until they run out of options.  Then it's more hidden locations or the parks until they come to the Inn.

 

What is the current need for emergency shelter in Sarnia?

 

On average, 15 people a night.  Depending on construction projects in the Valley, this will only get worse as workers come to Sarnia and start to take up the already low supply of affordable housing.

 

How does emergency shelter help people?

 

The shelter provides temporary housing (usually up to 30 days) while the staff assists the client find permanent housing through housing searches and land lord contacts.

 

What is transitional housing?

 

This is more longer-term housing for clients with a track record of not being able to retain their housing.  These 'hard-to-house' clients tend to have been raised in environment where they have learned few life-skills.  The transitional housing program teaches life skills (such as budgeting, communications, maintaining a home, cleaning and household chores, personal hygiene, being a good tenant & neighbour, etc.) and when the client is ready, enables them to move out on their own with much greater ability to retain housing.

 

The name of the facility is The Good Shepherd's Lodge - where did that come from?

 

A contest was held at The Inn and over 60 names were suggested by the clients themselves.  The winning name was actually a combination of 3 entries.

 

How many people will live at The Good Shepherd Lodge?

 

There will be 25 beds in the Shelter and 20 beds in Transitional Housing.

 

How will the purchase and construction be funded?

 

Monies to purchase the property were provided through a grant form the County of Lambton.  Monies for construction and furnishing is being raised through this capital campaign.  The Ontario Trillium Foundation, Provincial and Federal Governments along with many community organizations have contributed to the campaign seeing $1.2 million being raised to date.

 

How about ongoing operational funding?

 

The Inn works closely with the County of Lambton who has the governmental responsibility to provide social services.  Through a purchase of service agreement, The Inn currently provides shelter through the use of motel rooms.  The county reimburses The Inn for the motels used, this per diem payment will continue in the new facility.

 

Why are we looking at a new facility rather than continuing the use of the motels?

 

While the motels have filled the gap for a shelter in the past few years, this model is far from satisfactory in terms of providing the greatest chance for the success of clients in locating and maintaining housing.  Isolation, lack of supports, transportation, routine and access all work barriers to success.  As well, availability of rooms for shelter was irregular and when the need for rooms was the greatest, they were often unavailable. Our homeless tend to do a lot of couch surfing (staying with family, friends and acquaintances each for a few nights until they run out of options.  Then it's more hidden locations or the parks until they come to the Inn.