Rising costs force more people to rely on community services for basic necessities, like warmth
This time of year, when the temperatures dip below the freezing mark, most residents seek warmth indoors, but hundreds of people in the region without a place to call home are forced to brave the frigid elements.
It becomes a matter of survival, which is why the Community Church in Orillia is opening its doors for the second consecutive year to offer a warm place for those with no other option.
"The city has donated through Lighthouse $16,500 this year to help with warming centres," said the city's new mayor, Don McIsaac.
According to the city, during its pilot project last year, the warming centre was open for 34 days and was visited 243 times.
The warming centre is only open when temperatures in Orillia fall below -15C or -20C with windchill.
Linda Goodall, The Lighthouses executive director, says they also receive an additional $16,500 from the county to help run the program with other partners.
"It does cost money to run it safely. That's what I wanted to stress because we need qualified individuals to be there to support those experiencing homelessness," said Goodall.
She says the money allows them to hire five additional employees at a time when the city is seeing an increase in the number of people in need.
Goodall explained that several factors, including the rising cost of living, forced many people to the streets, who now rely on community services for basic necessities.
"It is more serious than ever before," said Goodall. "So we are trying to do what we can. It takes a community to be able to support every one of our community members."
The Lighthouse currently provides 50 beds, and its supportive housing has 20. The warming centre offers an additional 16.
Environment Canada told CTV News on Wednesday that although snow is in the forecast this week, the temperatures are not expected to drop significantly.
However, meteorologist Gerald Cheng said the temperatures could dive to -15 and below in Barrie and Orillia next week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.