Sudbury opens daytime drop-in warming centre

New drop-in warming centre opens downtown Sudbury Sudbury opens new drop-in washing centre for the homeless twice a day. Molly Frommer reports.

Sudbury — People experiencing homelessness can now access services at the new Homelessness Network Day Centre, located at 19 Frood Rd., Greater Sudbury announced Wednesday.

The day centre, a partnership between Greater Sudbury, the Centre de santé communautaire du Grand Sudbury and the Homelessness Network, offers drop-in services that were previously offered at Sudbury Arena.

“Our vulnerable population relies on the services of a daytime drop-in centre, for support, access to resources and shelter from the elements,” Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger is quoted as saying in a news release. “Since March, the Sudbury Community Arena has been open to allow people access to washrooms and a safe place to eat their meals, but with services beginning to open, it was necessary to find another place where those experiencing homelessness can find warmth during the winter months.”

Client Navigators are on hand at the Day Centre to help identify client needs and refer them to services in the community. Other agencies can also access the Day Centre to connect with clients. Washrooms, computers and no-cost wifi are also available.

“The main objective is to offer clients a safe, warm place during the day as we ride out the COVID-19 pandemic, while making it easier for them to access services,” said Denis Constantineau, CEO of the Centre de santé. “A number of safety measures have been put into place to ensure the health and safety of both clients and staff of the Day Centre.”

The program will operate seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4-9 p.m. until May 31, 2021.

The Off the Street Emergency Shelter at 200 Larch St. is open evenings, seven days a week, from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. It provides a warm place to sleep with light refreshments, outreach and referral services to individuals who are homeless. For more information, click here.

For more information on programs and services offered by the City of Greater Sudbury, click here.

For more information on the Day Centre, click here.