Opening up year-round is Simcoe’s only homeless shelter, Home for the Night.
The shelter won’t only be supplying those in need with shelter and life essentials in the colder months, but also in the summer months due to growing numbers in homelessness.
With numbers in poverty increasing due to job loss, low housing availability, and high housing prices, Home for the Night is ready to step up and help out in any way they can.
Virginia Lucas, Shelter Coordinator with Church Out Serving, tells us about the increasing numbers coming into the shelter and how they are trying their best to help these people turn their lives around if they’re down a dark path.
The shelter is operated by Church Out Serving, which is a non-profit organization, serving from First Baptist Church on the corner of Young St. and Talbot St. in downtown Simcoe.
They operate solely off of strong community partnerships, the support of the church, and a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
The church quickly got on board with the idea of keeping the shelter open year-round, which Virginia says was always on the agenda.
With the homeless population continuously growing, the community has grown concerned about the health, safety, and stability of those relying on the shelter. In past years, seasonal closures left many facing uncertain and unsafe living conditions.
Just because the weather is warming up doesn’t mean everyone is going to magically get a house. This leaves those in need right back out on the same streets we commended ourselves for taking them off of.
Lucas shared the relief felt by those living in the shelter after the news was announced.
By remaining open throughout the year, the shelter not only addresses immediate needs but also creates opportunities for change in the lives of those that are struggling.
The shelter works hard to provide stability to guests so they can work on employment, long-term housing, and health care.
Virginia explains that Home for the Night isn’t just a roof over someone’s head.
The shelter is now open nightly from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., with guests welcomed between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.
The organization continues to thank Simcoe residents for their ongoing support in helping provide for those in need.
For more information or to support the shelter, visit www.churchoutserving.org or email churchoutserving@gmail.com.