After a year of property acquisition, planning and suffering through supply chain delays, the Inn Out of the Cold will officially open today (Wednesday) in its new home at 10 Princess Avenue in St. Thomas.
To be known as The Inn, the emergency shelter will house up to 40 individuals who seek shelter, safety and support.
Mayor Joe Preston noted it is a huge step forward for what used to be a seasonal shelter at Central United Church.
Executive director Lori Fitzgerald advised The Inn will allow individuals to “begin the healing process and focus on next steps.”
Inn Out of the Cold functioned for nearly a dozen years at Central United Church and only recently operated year-round.
It is now a full-service shelter where individuals will receive comprehensive support.
Preston noted the new emergency shelter is all about ensuring everyone has a place to sleep.
Fitzgerald stressed The Inn will offer mental health and addictions support, health care and harm reduction services.
No longer will the homeless have to bundle up each morning, face the elements and move from location to location seeking help.
Purchase of the new location at 10 Princess Avenue was made possible through a provincial grant and city council and staff helped make the full-service shelter a priority, explained Mayor Joe Preston, who praised the efforts of MPP Jeff Yurek.
Fitzgerald advised The Inn will offer up to 40 individuals a better sleep, allow them to stay warm and receive consistent care.
