An update on the temporary warm room was given Wednesday at a meeting of the Bancroft Community Safety and Well-Being Committee.
The town shared that on its first night open, there were 6 people overnight using the warming room and more recently 13.
Moose FM spoke last week with Mayor Paul Jenkins about the warm room and some challenges northern municipalities face:
“We’re a lower tier municipality “ he said ”Meaning that social services are tasked to the upper tier, which in our case is Hastings County. They basically follow programs and funding that are passed down through the province of Ontario. I believe that its not enough and I don’t think enough recognition is given to the needs in the north. We have different needs, we have different weather, you know they have universal opening dates for warming centers. We get a lot colder much earlier and stay colder a lot later.”
Jenkins said the town will continue to lobby at every chance they get and to work with community partners to do everything they can. Jenkins also said the town is working with North Hastings Community Cupboard to provide breakfast kits and overnight snacks as well as coffee and tea. Those wishing to help with donations can contact the community cupboard.
More information on the meeting is available on the town’s website.