Transition House is the only homeless shelter in Northumberland County. I services the whole county including Brighton and area. They have numbers / records but didn't have statistics with them.

 

They are a not-for profit organization. The board members are volunteers. They are currently looking for an executive to run Transition House but finding it hard to find someone because there are no benefits and pay about $30,000. They have been without executive since June and Board members have been filling gap.

 

Many have been traumatized and / or have challenges in their lives such as mental health, addictions or physical problems. Catherine asked the question - what came first, the mental health concerns or losing their home? Because losing your home would be a traumatic experience and put a lot of stress on people.

 

They had to shut down for a few months in 2018 for renovations. Since reopening in 2018 they have helped over 200 people.

 

They are an emergency service for people who have lost their home. They offer compassion, show dignity to people, a shelter, food, and helping hand.

 

There is a very low vacancy rate and very high rental rates. They said to rent a room costs $650 per month. Often these accommodations are not very nice.

 

Transition Houses annual budget about $500,000 annually. The County helps but there is about a $150,000 deficit they have to make up with grants and donations.

 

The people have high needs, come with baggage, often traumatized. Many are chronically homeless. Some are ill. Very stressful to be homeless. They typically have very low self worth with no hope. They are stigmatized in our community, considered their own fault, blamed for their circumstances. They don't have a 'Voice' that society will listen to.

 

Transition House provides supports for these people in crisis. They strive to provide these people with dignity and respect, to give them a measure of control and work with them to provide choices. They help people put their lives together, teach life skills including computers. They are not chased out each day, but can stay in. They help people with resumes, to find new shelter, jobs, putting them in touch with various agencies that may be needed. They advocate for the homeless and help give them a voice. Staff at Transition House do case management with the people, working with them to help. Recently they have a dentist who comes in to provide some services, as well as EMS staff for some medical needs.

 

The Town of Cobourg has a warming shelter in the local police station reception area. However, people have to leave early each morning, they cannot stay there all day.

 

Some of their success stories include: in past 6 months helping 6 people find accommodation, helping student complete high school and now looking at higher education, another has a good job offer.

 

There goal is a maximum 30 day stay, but some have stayed up to a year.

 

Children are not allowed, families are taken care of through social services, typically put up in motels. Must be 18 or over. Most are men under 25 or over 60 years old who come to Transition House.

 

President Daniel thanked Catherine and Marsha.