OUT OF THE COLD COLLINGWOOD ANNOUNCES LOCATION AND PARTNERSHIP WITH E3 COMMUNITY SERVICES INC.

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Oct. 31, 2019

Out of the Cold Collingwood is pleased to announce they’re in the last stages of approval for finalizing their location.

Task force members have diligently worked with board members of E3 Community Services Inc. to come up with a tentative agreement to use their 250 Peel Street, Unit B Community Centre location for overnight shelter operations for the 2019/2020 season.

“In our strategic plan, E3 has committed to increasing profile and engagement with the broader community and are willing to partner with other organizations to address pressing and emerging needs in our catchment area,” said Christine Vallis-Page, chief executive officer of E3 Community Services Inc. “We are pleased to partner with Community Connection to seize the opportunity to serve marginalized people in order to enable them to access services and live the quality life they deserve.”

E3 Community Services has been in the community of South Georgian Bay for over 50 years, serving people with exceptional abilities. It has evolved with the times and now houses a number of programs for adults and children, as well as social enterprises to support program growth. They endeavour to find innovative ways to broaden our reach in the community to enable quality lives for all citizens.

The 250 Peel Street, Unit B location offers many benefits for overnight shelter operations including, but not limited to; 2,000 square feet of multiple spaces for our intake and referral services and sleeping arrangements; its own entrance and emergency exits separate from the EarlyON Centre, three washrooms including a shower and bath, a double laundry room, and a fenced-in courtyard which will reduce disturbances and ensure privacy for our guests and residents in neighbouring properties.

“The layout of this facility and the fact that it is already a community centre will enable us to offer a safe and effective environment for our temporary emergency shelter program,” said Pam Hillier, executive director of Community Connection. “For Community Connection to have such a strong partnership with E3 Community Services for this program allows us the opportunity to make a positive impact for our community.”

The official opening date of the shelter will be determined by the final approvals process, and will be announced as soon as they are in place. A date for a full public information session will also be announced at that time.

For up-to-date news on Out of the Cold Collingwood or to donate to shelter operation costs, visit their website at outofthecoldcollingwood.com.

Also, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/OutoftheColdCollingwood.

BACKGROUND

The Out of The Cold program will provide overnight emergency shelter for youth and adults experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year – from November to April. The program will offer a warm, safe place to spend the night, a central intake program so guests are connected with housing support workers and other community supports as needed, in addition to a nutritious, hot meal.

The non-profit program is led by a community task force, guided by the Simcoe County Alliance to End Homelessness and is operated under the local charity, Community Connection, in partnership with E3 Community Services Inc.