With hot and muggy conditions expected to return to the region later this week, the timing couldn't be better.
The Gilbert Centre in Barrie will operate the city's first cooling centre for residents who are experiencing homelessness, with an official opening on Monday.
This is a partnership with the County of Simcoe and the City of Barrie.
Located at 80 Bradford Street, the centre will also offer assistance in finding housing, basic healthcare, support and healthy food options, counselling and social support.
“With warmer temperatures hitting our region, the County and our partners at the City of Barrie are stepping up to meet increased needs for cooling centres in the areas that need them the most. Cooling centres are just one small part of a larger strategy to build up the lives of those who need us. I’m confident that our overall strategy, made possible through strong partnerships like this one, will have a massive impact on the people and communities we serve," said County of Simcoe Warden Basil Clarke.
The cooling centre will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily until mid-September.
“In the heart of compassion, and as temperatures rise, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every individual in our community. Together with the County of Simcoe and the Gilbert Centre, we stand united in our commitment to embrace our vulnerable homeless population and fulfill a need that was brought to our attention by our social services agencies," according to Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall.
The centre started with a soft opening last week.
"We are thrilled to be able to assist our community by hosting the summer's Cooling Centre. Here at GC we value dignity, empowerment and leading with radical compassion; everyone deserves to be treated with respect, and we are looking forward to expanding our services to encompass a cooling centre where we can provide just that," said Daley Boyle, Gilbert Centre Executive Director.
