Transition House expanded its capacity from 35 to 40 beds to meet the community needs due to weather conditions and demand, the county’s social services committee heard on Jan. 7.
Rebecca Snelgrove, associate director of Housing and Homelessness, told politicians the expansion of the shelter at 310 Division Street turned away 50 people in December due to capacity restrictions.
The shelter is licensed to offer up to 46 beds in full compliance with the fire safety plan, but it is limited by insufficient staffing. To create the additional six beds and meet the required staff support would cost an extra $252,000, she said. Nothing could happen in 2026 as the budget is already finalized, she added. It would mean the province would need to provide more funding or include it in the 2027 budget, she said.
Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland asked whether staff were in talks with Durham Region, as it is passing a bylaw similar to Cobourg’s Emergency Care Establishment bylaw. Staff outlined the differences between Northumberland’s and Durham’s shelter models, which were highlighted, with Durham offering low-barrier services and a warming center. The committee also discussed potential collaboration with Ajax on their new crisis care facility bylaw.
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