The cold streets of Huntsville have become home for some people who are struggling to find affordable housing.
Sadly, they also became the last home for 39-year-old Paul Fenc. His body was found in a burned out van early Sunday morning.
To his friends he was known as “JC” and in the days before he died, he was looking to stay at the Table Men's Shelter, but it wasn’t open for the season yet.
"We saw him last on Friday afternoon here at the Table Food Bank,” says Heather Berg. “He came to us looking for some help wondering when the shelter was going to be open."
Friends say he found a van to stay in up the street the night before he died.
"We've turned so many people away, but on Friday, when JC came just seeing him in the state that he was and knowing him personally, that was really tough."
The shelter has been trying to open for the last few months, but town officials say there have been some road blocks.
"It's being held up because of fire code violations and building code violations, and it's the responsibility of the Town of Huntsville to make sure every facility is safe for people to be in,” says Karin Terziano, Huntsville deputy mayor. “As much as we want to see that shelter open we are waiting for final documentation."
The nearest men's shelters are a long bus ride way in North Bay or Orillia. Berg says she made another plea to the town on Friday to try to speed up the process.
“We're too late for JC and that's brutal."
The town released a statement expressing condolences on Fenc's death
“The Town of Huntsville is deeply saddened by the loss of our Community Member, Paul Fenc and our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Once the shelter workers can get the building up to code, they'll receive an occupancy permit from the town.
They’re hoping that will be sooner rather than later since the colder winter conditions are quickly closing in.
