“Figure out a formula by which a location for a more permanent warming room could be provided in the cold month here in Belleville. It may be a model that other communities in the county system might adopt.”
Malette added, “We’re now in our fourth location in three years. While we greatly appreciate the help of the county we’re probably going to be looking in the future at more cooperation with the county, certainly an awful lot of our non-profit agencies in the city, to help us find a solution because it’s become increasingly obvious that the need is there and we need to figure out a formula by which a more permanent warming room could be provided here in Belleville.”
CEO Jim Pine told the committee the issue will be discussed on a county-wide basis at the committee’s upcoming budget session. He added it is not part of the normal operation and will need new money.
“Not only warm rooms but shelters. It seems the county’s being requested in other locations as well to look at this particular kind of service which has not been part of our operating mandate.”
Quinte West Councillor Terry Cassidy noted that his city is interested in being part of the decisions. “It’s very hard to imagine people who are homeless, who have addiction problems, certainly are poor and also may have many mental health issues are not easily going to be captured by people who are out there to help them.”
“A warming room is an opportunity for people to self-select and serve themselves in time of need. I think it’s important that municipalities have some capability, some flexibility in being able to to meet those needs.”
