Northumberland County is bringing a diverse group of community members to the table to provide support and advice upon the opening of Cobourg’s new shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
The county has launched a community liaison committee (CLC) for the shelter facility at 310 Division St., which opened in December 2024.
Establishing the CLC is aimed at addressing a recommendation from public consultations conducted earlier this year that called for continued collaboration and engagement with community members in the effective integration of shelter services within the neighbourhood and broader community, Northumberland County noted in a media release.
The CLC brings together 21 members including neighbours in the immediate vicinity of the shelter, residents of the broader Cobourg community, people with lived experience of homelessness and housing insecurity, delegates from local businesses, the faith community, and community agencies, and members of Northumberland Paramedics and the Cobourg Police Service, along with town, county and shelter staff.
“This committee will be instrumental in building connections between the shelter and the surrounding community, addressing concerns, and fostering a sense of shared purpose,” said Ike Nwibe, Transition House’s executive director.
“Through ongoing dialogue and collaboration, we aim to ensure the success of this modernized shelter, creating opportunities for clients while strengthening community relationships. We are grateful to the committee members for contributing their time and expertise to this important initiative.”
Committee members met for the first time on December 17 and established shared goals, identified focus areas, and reinforced their commitment to action-oriented outcomes. Members will provide valuable guidance and feedback as the county and Transition House work to deliver the best possible support to vulnerable community members while ensuring strong neighbour relations, the release stated.
“Northumberland County and Transition House extend their heartfelt thanks to the incredible community members who applied to be part of the CLC,” said Rebecca Carman, Northumberland County’s director of housing and homelessness.
“The overwhelming number of skilled, empathetic, and committed individuals who expressed interest reflects the community’s collective investment in finding meaningful solutions for those experiencing homelessness.”
The purchase of the facility at 310 Division St., a former retirement residence, occurred in late 2023 with a partnership between Northumberland County and Transition House. Numerous efforts have been underway since to open the shelter and comply with a new emergency care establishments bylaw that was introduced by the Town of Cobourg in early 2024. The intent is to transition all beds and services from Transition House’s Chapel Street location to the new facility, which is larger and designed to offer additional supports and housing options.
As a result, 35 beds for people experiencing homelessness officially opened on Dec. 19. In addition to these short-term beds, the shelter will offer longer-term transitional housing options when the building opens in its entirety in 2025.
The facility also features a 24/7 warming hub on the ground floor. The space offers respite from the cold, laundry and shower facilities, food, and “a safe space for anyone in need.” It will serve as a cooling centre during warmer months.
Members of the new CLC are listed below.
Community members
- Chloe Craig
- Erisa Katona
- Rob James
- Kendra Simmons
- Bob LeDrew
- Catherine White
- Hillary Allen
- Kim Gay
- Sheri Syer
- Beth Bellaire
- Liz Greaves
- Brenda Whitehead
Delegates
- Carolyn Rutherford, Community Health Centres of Northumberland
- Emma Taylor, Northumberland Hills Hospital Community Mental Health Services
- Jennifer Bogart, Cobourg Downtown Business Improvement Area
- Daniel Gaito, Trinity United Church
- Kim Wilkinson, Northumberland Paramedics
- Janice MacDonald, Cobourg Police Service
- Chris Challenger, Town of Cobourg
County and shelter representatives
- Ike Nwibe, Transition House
- Meaghan Macdonald, Transition House
- Bill Smith, Northumberland County
- Rebecca Carman, Northumberland County
“The creation of the CLC builds on best practices, and was established in partnership with OrgCode Consulting, experts in homelessness system transformations,” the release states. “Monthly committee meetings will provide a forum for sharing information, resolving challenges, and advancing solutions to support the local integration of shelter services.”
The next CLC meeting will be in January 2025.
Community members can reach the CLC through email at ShelterCLC@northumberland.ca.
