‘We’re so close’: Summerside men’s shelter expected to open in early April
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SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — After being delayed by a couple of months, Summerside’s new emergency males’s shelter is now slated to open in early April.
The shelter, the primary to cater to male shoppers in Summerside, initially had a gap date set for January. After a number of weeks of delays, the brand new goal for beginning shopper consumption is April 1.
Shelley Cole, supervisor of housing providers for the Division of Social Growth and Housing, mentioned it took slightly longer than anticipated for the earlier tenant to vacate the constructing, positioned at 287 Winter St. Then, the renovations bumped into surprising delays.
The bodily work to the house is beginning to wind down, she added.
“I believe we’ve moved alongside at a reasonably good tempo, all issues thought of. Again in October, after we began these conversations, we had been completely hopeful that we’d have the shelter beds out there in January, however one factor turns into the operate of one other.”
As soon as the renovations are full, the constructing can be turned over to the Native Council of P.E.I., which has been contracted by the province to function the power.
The shelter will provide six beds and can be open and staffed 24 hours per day. Along with discovering a spot to remain out of the weather, shoppers may also have the ability to avail themselves of varied programming, together with bodily and psychological well being, addictions remedy and long-term housing help.
Scott Carnall, housing growth officer for the Native Council of P.E.I., mentioned the group is hiring eight new employees for the shelter, in addition to finalizing their procedures and tips.
“It’s coming alongside. It’s a type of issues the place we’re so shut, however there are nonetheless issues that must be performed and we’d like to ensure they’re performed correctly,” mentioned Carnall.
“The renovations on the home are being performed … so it’s an inviting and warming area to be. And it’s all about offering that wrap-around help and care and ensuring that we’re addressing these wants that these folks have, transferring ahead, and making a bit extra of a secure state of affairs for them.”
Anybody, no matter gender, in want of emergency shelter at any time can name the province’s 211 helpline.
Colin MacLean is a reporter with the SaltWire Community in Prince Edward Island. He could be reached by e mail at [email protected] and adopted on Twitter @JournalPMacLean.
