Makeshift cardboard shelters as people sleep outside, the night of January 26/2018 in Belleville’s Market Square. (Photo: Quinte News)
The 11th annual Sleep Out So Others Can Sleep In event was a success last night.
About 50 people slept outside in cardboard box shelters in Belleville’s Market Square overnight raising money to help the homeless in the Quinte region.
About 100 people joined the opening ceremonies.
Almost $11,500 dollars was raised, well above the goal of $10,000.
The money will be used by the Hastings-Prince Edward branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association to do repairs at the seniors house, one of four transitional houses for the homeless that the organization runs.
Executive Director Sandie Sidsworth says the number of homeless needing help is increasing, especially in the seniors population.
Grace Inn will provide 21 transitional beds and other services for the homeless.
More affordable housing units are coming to Belleville, but Sidsworth says even those units won’t satisfy the demand in the area.
