Cooling Centre Report

May 1, 2021 - September 1, 2021

Meeting a Major Need.

Our Weather Station* programming is still meeting a major need in Guelph. As one community member remarked, “You [RCM] were the rock in this pandemic.” We have become a lifeline to many - though physical needs of shelter, washroom facilities, and food are being offered we also continually offer emotional and spiritual support as those experiencing homelessness feel the weight of their situation.

*The Weather Station is the umbrella name for the Warming & Cooling Centre.

Days Open

490 Hours Open

98 Days Open

14 Saturdays Open

Over the four month period we were open for 98 days for 490 hours. This included being open for 14 Saturdays - which was made possible through grants. In this period, we were open 23 days during the 2nd Provincial Shutdown - which meant that there were nearly no other safe & accessible daytime shelter options for people experiencing homelessness. Though the lockdown has been lifted, there is still considerable need for shelter beyond what Royal City Mission is able to provide.

Community Access

Due to Covid, our Cooling Centre was only open to those who were experiencing homelessness.

3,756 Total Times Accessed

38 Daily Average Attendance

32 Accessed Program For 30+ Days

A considerable amount of people accessed the Cooling Centre over the summer months; the Cooling Centre was accessed nearly as much as the Warming Centre was during the coldest months. We still see a significant number of people who are experiencing long-term homelessness and are in need of a more robust shelter system. We are deeply concerned for our community members as the winter months are approaching.

We're Still Open!

The Cooling Centre is still open and will be transitioning into the Warming Centre in October. We are looking forward to the day when Covid restrictions are behind us and we can open up our Weather Station programming to anyone in need - regardless of their housing situation.

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Thank you for making our Cooling Centre possible.

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