Homelessness

Recent Posts

Warden responds to Cobourg mayor’s suggestion to separate from Northumberland County

By: |
Sign encampment

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

At a recent committee meeting of Cobourg council, Mayor Lucas Cleveland said Cobourg’s efforts to deal with the encampment on King Street were only dealing with the symptoms, but not the sickness. The sickness the mayor was referring to was Northumberland County’s efforts to address the situation. The county is responsible for housing and homelessness. Cobourg is not. This limits what the town council can do to address the ongoing concerns raised by the public. Continue Reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Homelessness, Northumberland County, Politics

Cobourg Police officers getting special training to better help troubled veterans

By: |
Homeless veteran

Veterans who are unsheltered and coming into contact with Cobourg police officers could get some unexpected help after the launch of a new program recently. The Military Veteran Wellness Program announced on Aug. 20 will train frontline officers to identify those who are unsheltered or facing a mental health crisis. Officers will have the necessary awareness to better recognize those veterans in trouble. Then, it gives the officers the skills to build rapport with the person and a formal path to helping the veteran access essential social services delivered through existing agencies. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Cobourg Police, Community, Homelessness, Northumberland County, Social Justice

Request for building permits submitted to Cobourg as county pushes ahead on new shelter

By: |
New Transition House

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Recently, a progress report regarding the new homeless shelter at 310 Division Street was provided to Northumberland County Council. At its June meeting, the council also received an update on its affordable housing and homeless strategy. Rebecca Carman, associate director of housing and homelessness for Northumberland County, will bring us up to speed on what is happening. The building permits for renovating the new shelter are submitted to the town’s building department. She will provide some timelines. Continue Reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Emergency shelter, Homelessness, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Transition House officials respond to impact of Cobourg’s emergency shelter bylaw

By: |
Transition House

The full interview:

Plans for 310 Division Street continue to move forward. Senior staff at Northumberland County and Cobourg are hammering away at a deal to operate an emergency shelter. Meanwhile, the town’s bylaws are now in place to regulate operations at local shelters, including Transition House and Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre. County Warden Brian Ostrander and Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland appeared on last week’s show to discuss the situation. Meanwhile, the provincial government provided $2.5 million to renovate the former senior’s residence, with the caveat that the work must begin within the next four months. Continue Reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Homelessness, Housing, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Cobourg’s mayor explains recent debate over emergency shelter bylaw and its impacts

By: |

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

At a council meeting on February 28, Cobourg politicians approved a bylaw to regulate emergency shelters regarding operations, safety, and security. The most notable impacts will be on Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and Transition House. The bylaw is meant to address concerns from the public, town staff, and politicians over the new shelter planned for 310 Division Street, a former senior residence. The county purchased it and recently received $2.5 million from the Ontario government for renovations. During a special county council meeting on March 6, Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland passionately defended his municipality’s decision. Continue Reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Homelessness, Housing, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

County warden addresses concerns over Cobourg emergency shelter bylaw

By: |
Northumberland County Council

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Earlier this month, tensions between Cobourg and Northumberland County were on display. Cobourg passed new bylaws impacting emergency shelters within the town. This would include Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and Transition House. The bylaw is aimed at quelling concerns raised by many about the relocation of Transition House to 310 Division Street. Since the county is responsible for Transition House, county staff and politicians called a special council meeting on March 6. Continue Reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Homelessness, Housing, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

A deep dive into the new Transition House at 310 Division Street: meet the new ED and public meetings

By: |

The show (Part 1):

The show (Part 2):

The full interview:

The move of Transition House to 310 Division Street is controversial. Supporters view it as a chance to modernize the system to help those who are homeless and need services. Then, some are concerned about the new location. These people are worried about community safety, their homes, and their businesses. These interviews are a deep dive into the new facility. Continue Reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Homelessness, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Transition House moves to new facility as county approves $2.3 million purchase

By: |
New Transition House

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

If everything goes smoothly, Northumberland County will purchase a former retirement residence at 310 Division Street in Cobourg to become the new home for Transition House. It means 35 low-barrier shelter spaces will be available to those in need. It will have accommodations, food, and support services. It will also provide a 24-hour drop-in centre year-round, giving unsheltered people a place to get out of the cold of winter or the heat of summer or a place to go anytime. In this interview,  Rev. Neil Ellis, former acting interim executive director for Transition House, will share the story behind the purchase and what it means to those who do not have a home. Continue Reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Homelessness, Housing, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

National Housing Day draws attention to county’s efforts to address affordable housing and homelessness

By: |

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Two things related to affordable housing took place in the last week. First, phase one of the new Elgin Park housing units was opened. It is a step forward in a project to increase access to affordable rental housing. The second event was National Housing Day. People from across Northumberland gathered to strategize how accommodation issues are addressed locally. Continue Reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Homelessness, Housing, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

One person shares their story from inside the Cobourg encampment as events unfold

By: |

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Earlier this week, a group of people encamped at 600 William Street were removed from the site. County officials used the Trespass to Property Act to give 24-hours notice before a private security firm and the Cobourg Police would take action to clear the property. The site is owned by the county and houses offices for economic development, tourism and is a hub for ambulance services. County politicians approved the removal plan at a special meeting on September 5. Before any of this took place, two people intimately involved with the encampment provided their side of events. Continue Reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Homelessness, Housing, Politics, Social Justice