Sault motel to offer emergency self-isolation rooms for city's less-fortunate

Sault motel opens its doors to the city's homeless A Sault motel will house people in isolation who have tested positive, or have to self-quarantine for two weeks in emergency situations.

SAULT STE. MARIE — A motel in Sault Ste. Marie is planning to offer rooms to the homeless, in the case that they need to self-isolate.

The District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSMSSAB) has been working with the Satelite Motel to set up the precautionary service, fearing that a surge could come at any time.

"They've been amazing to work with so far, in giving up their space and their area," said Mike Nadeau, Executive Director of the DSSMSSAB. "We're just starting to set up those plans as we speak right now, in addition to a few services we've already set up."

The board has also converted a former senior's centre into an emergency homeless shelter.

Nadeau says it's to limit the potential of overflow throughout the city's permanent shelters.

"Right now, they're about roughly at 50 per cent capacity," said Nadeau. "So with this, we've been able to secure 15 rooms at the Satellite Motel, so they'll be able to go there and self-isolate, to eliminate potential spread on the streets."

Nadeau says there's no timeline for when the rooms will be available.