The Overflow Shelter Bed Program at 210 Wolfe St. is set to temporarily relocate to the Peterborough Public Library, starting from Thursday, September 21, 2023. This move is to facilitate renovations at the Wolfe Street location, which will be transformed into a service hub for individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly those residing in the upcoming Modular Bridge Housing community.
Operating hours for the Overflow Shelter Bed Program at the Peterborough Public Library will be from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, outside the regular business hours of the library, which is located at 345 Aylmer St. N. This temporary relocation will remain in effect until the new winter overnight drop-in space, managed by One City at Trinity Centre, opens later this fall.
Construction and installation progress of the Modular Bridge Housing community, situated at the Rehill Parking Lot on Wolfe Street, is well underway. Simultaneously, preparations will commence for the future hub for homelessness services within the building currently occupied by the Overflow Shelter Bed Program at 210 Wolfe St.
The Modular Bridge Housing community, featuring 50 units, is expected to be occupied in the fall, further enhancing support for the homeless population.
The Overflow Shelter Bed Program will continue to function as an overnight emergency shelter, offering assistance when the primary shelters reach capacity.
Currently, the shelter system in Peterborough comprises 106 beds distributed among the three main shelters: Brock Mission, Cameron House, and the YES Shelter, along with the Overflow Shelter Bed Program. With an average of four beds in use and 28 available over the past week, the Overflow Shelter plays a crucial role in the city’s efforts to support those in need.
Last week, One City and the City of Peterborough announced a three-year agreement for One City to operate a winter overnight drop-in space at the Trinity Centre, located in the former Trinity United Church at 360 Reid St. Renovations are in progress, and the Overflow Shelter Bed Program will be closed when One City’s winter overnight drop-in space opens. There will be a seamless transition between the two programs, ensuring continued service for the community.
The winter overnight drop-in space forms part of the city’s comprehensive winter homelessness response strategy and a broader homelessness services plan approved by City Council. Additionally, One City will operate a year-round daytime drop-in center.
It’s worth noting that the Overflow Shelter Bed Program had temporarily operated at the Peterborough Public Library from July 2019 to February 2020 before moving to the Murray Street Baptist Church and, subsequently, its current location at 210 Wolfe St. in February 2021.
For individuals seeking emergency shelter, the following contact information is provided:
- Brock Mission for men: 217 Murray St., 705-748-4766, ext. 1
- Cameron House for women: 738 Chemong Rd., 705-748-4766, ext. 2
- YES Shelter for Youth and Families: 196 Brock St., 705-748-3851
- Overflow Shelter Bed Program (when main shelters are full): 345 Aylmer St. N. starting September 21
Individuals without access to a phone can visit the Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. to connect with available shelter services.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
