200122 Mayors Task Force Homelessness MIN
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg Emergency Shelter for Homelessness
January 22, 2020
11:00 am.
Raynes Room MINUTES
Present: Donna Wilson, Town Clerk; Andrea Brown, Recreation Programs & Services
Manager; Amelia Jaggard, Deputy Clerk; Nancy Sheils, Salvation Army; Pastor Stephen Richardson, Faith Presbyterian Church; and Pete Vanderweerd, Faith Presbyterian Church
1. Call to Order
11:00 a.m.
Purpose of this meeting is to discuss potential partnership in a plan for providing overnight emergency shelter at the Tillsonburg Community Centre. 2. Review and Update from Agencies
2.1 Activation of Emergency Shelter
The Tillsonburg Community Centre is able to provide space to act as an
emergency shelter in the event that Southwestern Public Health issues an
Extreme Cold Warning. The shelter would provide a place to house homeless
persons overnight between the hours of 8pm and 8am.
Southwestern Public Health issues cold weather alerts when Environment
Canada forecasts an air temperature below -15˚C or a wind chill below -20˚C.
2.2 Community Centre
2.2.1 Shelter Location
Rotary Room: Accessible entrance to outside. Accessible washrooms.
Kitchen. Space for cots, tables. Ability to block off from majority of the
building. No access to showers.
2.2.2 Licensed Security Guard Update
Andrea Brown to look into security guard services and associated costs.
At least two trained staff/volunteers required to be present in addition to at
least one security guard.
Security guard does not look after individuals.
2.2.3 Post Shelter Cleanup
Andrea brown to look into cleanup services.
2.3 Faith Presbyterian Church
Town staff to reach out to St. Thomas shelter administrator Lori Fitzgerald
inoutofthecoldelgin@gmail.com , 519-637-9898 about needs and requirement of
an emergency shelter.
2.3.1 Volunteer Staff of Emergency Shelter Overnight
The Church to develop list of volunteers. Volunteers will need to be trained. Town to determine standards for training (Health and Safety, First Aid, CPR, Naloxone Training, p-med (de-escalation training)).
Town has staff trained to facilitate CPR and CPI (crisis intervention) training. 2.3.2 Meals/Snacks/Water
3. Salvation Army
Nancy suggested vinyl mats are preferred over mattresses because they can be
cleaned. Sleeping bags can’t be reused.
Nancy to determine Salvation Army contribution of mats, sleeping bags and
backpacks containing necessities (water etc.). Salvation Army currently assists homeless by providing transport to shelters in Simcoe, London or Woodstock. The Army also offers accommodation at the Hill Top
Inn when possible.
Nancy to determine training opportunities through the Salvation Army. 4. Discussion
Training provided by Town could possibly be offered during business hours to avoid
extra costs. On-call list of trained volunteers would be needed.
Additional requirements for volunteers to be consider by Town: Vulnerable Persons Screening, criminal record check, liability forms etc. *Ask Nancy for Salvation Army’s checklist.
Town needs to consider emergency plans, fire safety plans.
Nancy to provide info on natural spray formula for bedbugs, as well as a formula for a powder to use around room border and in outlets to stop bed bugs from spreading. This is a serious issue when housing homeless in a public building as the spread is
rapid and difficult to control.
Salvation Army could provide food and water. Contact Food Bank regarding potential donations.
Cannot allow prepared food from volunteers if food was prepared in uncertified kitchens. St. Thomas staff trained in special intensive cleaning.
Consider preventative measures to stop individuals from bringing in drugs. Ex. St. Thomas shelter has bins for individuals to put their belongings in overnight. They don’t search their pockets.
How would Town make individuals aware of the Emergency Shelter? Share with local
agencies, OPP (HEARTS program), share online. Nancy suggested a long term shelter would be straining on the community financially.
Woodstock shelter is designed to provide the services necessary to get individuals
the help they need. Ex. Opportunity to meet with social services. Social workers are in Tillsonburg only two days a week, therefore sending individuals to Woodstock is much more productive and their needs would be met in a timely
manner.
Salvation Army has some individuals trained in emergency disaster services that could be of assistance.
Concern about volunteers who work full time jobs being able to volunteer overnight.
The conclusion from this meeting is that there currently is no emergent issue. All individuals in need in Tillsonburg are currently being housed in some capacity. Also a shelter is not something that can be put together without the proper volunteer training,
health & safety measures and security etc. in place prior to the shelter opening.
5. Adjournment