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Orillia seeing 'definite increase' in people experiencing homelessness

Lighthouse is helping 40-48 men, women and youth to find accommodation nightly; There is a 'huge need' in the community amid the pandemic, official says
2020-03-31 Lighthouse Orillia
The Lighthouse Soup Kitchen and Shelter. File Photo

Homelessness in Orillia is becoming an epidemic amid a pandemic.

The Lighthouse has a capacity to provide shelter for 14 men. At this time last year, there were between 11 and 14 men, nightly, at the Peter Street shelter.

This year, the situation is dramatically different. Due to the inability to exercise physical distancing at the aged shelter and amid concerns about the spread of the deadly coronavirus, the facility had to be shuttered.

But with financial assistance from the federal government, funnelled through the County of Simcoe, the Lighthouse was able to move its residents into a local hotel on March 21.

This week, on average, about 22-25 men have been staying in the hotel each night.

Last week, the Lighthouse, seeing a “huge need” in the community, also opened an emergency shelter for women - in a different local hotel. On average 7-9 women have been staying in the facility nightly.

On top of that, the Lighthouse provides up to 14 vouchers nightly to those in emergency need to stay in a local hotel rather than find themselves on the streets.  

“We are seeing a definite increase in people experiencing homelessness amid COVID-19,” said Linda Goodall, the executive director of the Lighthouse.

“Between the men’s shelter, the women’s shelter and the voucher program, we’re assisting 40-48 people every night.”

As a result, Goodall and Trisha Holloway, the operations manager at the Lighthouse, have had to hire temporary emergency help.

“We have hired five temporary staff so far just for the pandemic,” said Goodall, noting they are also in the process of hiring two more to assist with the women’s shelter. Both shelters require staff 24/7.

None of it would be possible without the assistance of local hotels and funding from Simcoe County, she stressed.

“These positions, as well as the cost of the hotel (rooms), are funded through the County of Simcoe,” said Goodall. “We could not do this without them.”

She said the county has played a key role throughout the crisis. “They just stepped right up, with all shelters in Simcoe County,” said Goodall. “While other facilities have closed … we have been able to stay open and help the people who need help more than ever before.”

It has not been easy, she said.

“There is a big toll on our staff,” said Goodall, noting each person working the front-lines is fearful of bringing the virus home to their families. “It’s very stressful.”

But it’s a risk each has agreed to take.

“I asked each of our staff at the beginning of this and again the other day. They have the right and the opportunity, if they don’t feel comfortable, to say that - without any judgement - and work from home,” said Goodall. “Not one person has decided to do that.”

An influx of temporary staff has helped. And they might be needed for a while. It’s not known how long this crisis will last, but officials expect it to last through the end of May and, possibly, beyond.

The pandemic is making a bad situation worse.

“We have an affordable housing crisis in Orillia on a regular day. It's worse now,” said Goodall. “Right now, people aren’t showing their apartments … it’s near impossible to find accommodation.”

In addition, those who formerly couch surfed have been turfed; people are, understandably, not welcoming of that right now, Goodall conceded.

“And we still have some people, even though our capacity has expanded, experiencing homelessness due to mental health, addiction issues, family issues. Some are living in tents and with everything closed (such as the public library, restaurants, city buildings), they don’t have anywhere to go to the bathroom, to wash themselves … it’s a big concern,” said Goodall.

She said the Lighthouse is still attempting to help those people. Each day, they give out about 50 lunches at the Peter Street facility, where staff, observing physical distance rules, also offer assistance.

“We’re also working on getting a tablet or laptop so those who are staying in the hotel can use that for virtual appointments … we’re doing everything we can,” she said.

The situation, she said, underlines the need for the new 40-bed shelter and community hub under construction on Queen Street.

“I think it really just lets us see the need we have,” said Goodall, noting Building Hope will also have five beds for youths and supportive housing units.

For more information about the Lighthouse or to make a donation to support the services being offered during the pandemic, visit their website.


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Dave Dawson

About the Author: Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson is community editor of OrilliaMatters.com
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