Journal staff
The County of Lambton, in partnership with the Inn of the Good Shepherd, will be opening an Out of the Cold emergency shelter program this weekend at the former Laurel Lea-St Matthews’s Church in Sarnia.
The program will be managed by the Inn of the Good Shepherd, with the County’s social services division providing funding and support services, including intensive case management, rapid re-housing, and financial assistance for housing.
Local service providers with specialized expertise will also be on-site to provide additional supports for those staying at the shelter.
“This collaborative approach with agency partners across the County will help people access housing and ensure their move to more permanent housing will be successful,” a news release noted, adding there are currently 253 individuals and families experiencing homelessness within the county and approximately 53 individuals sleeping rough.
“With the increased number of individuals experiencing homelessness additional emergency housing solutions are necessary.”
Anyone who requires emergency shelter or is assisting someone in need of shelter is asked to contact the Inn of the Good Shepherd’s Lodge directly for intake at 519-344-1679.