Word has been spreading about Orillia’s overnight warming centre, and it’s showing in the number of people who have been attending.
The warming centre, located at the Orillia Community Church on Colborne Street East, operates from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. on nights when the temperature is -15 degrees Celsius or colder. It will be open tonight (Thursday), even if the temperature doesn’t reach -15.
The first night it opened was Dec. 26. It took some time to get the word out to the community, but now there are anywhere from six to 12 people accessing the service each night it is open.
“Word of mouth has been huge,” said warming centre co-ordinator Christina Petsinis. “Some people are calling the Lighthouse (shelter) and if the Lighthouse can’t intake, they’re directing them to the warming centre. It’s definitely been a community effort.”
For many who attend the centre, their needs extend beyond a warm place to stay, which is why staff and volunteers are ready to refer them to other services that might be able to help.
“I’ve been hearing stories of people at various intersections of experience,” Petsinis said, noting that includes those dealing with homelessness, mental illness and addiction.
Having access to the warming centre is “one less thing they have to worry about.”
Three people have since gone on to find permanent housing, she added.
Since Dec. 26, the warming centre has been open 20 nights. Visitors have access to a cot, drinks and snacks.
Petsinis said she is proud of the staff and volunteers who have stepped up to help those in need.
“They’re all compassionate, conscientious individuals,” she said, adding it has “been a privilege for our team to learn the stories and hear from the people who are directly affected by the plights of our society.”
