Sarnia's mayor believes we need to be better prepared to help Lambton County's homeless population this winter.
Mike Bradley has written a letter to county council, asking them to meet with staff to come up with proactive strategies to deal with the increasing need for shelter.
He said we're doing a good job here, but more needs to be done.
"The concern that I've had for many years is the secondary shelter," said Bradley. "We have River City and we have the lodge that take care of people, and then we get into issues of where to put people when those places are at capacity like they were this past winter. That needs to be addressed. Just because someone is in a dire situation, doesn't mean they should be put in a place that is less than respectful of them and respectful of trying to get them to a better place and off of the street."
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley.
The Good Shepherd's Lodge has a maximum capacity of 25 and provides emergency shelter to those experiencing a period of homelessness.
River City Vineyard can house a maximum of 22 individuals each night, and they say it's often people in their late teens and early twenties with addiction issues who are seeking a bed.
Bradley said mental health and addiction issues are often related, and also need to be addressed.
He wants the discussion to be part of Lambton County Council's meeting on November 6.
Bluewater Health opened seven withdrawal management beds at its Sarnia site in January but continues to wait for funding from the health ministry for an $8.8 million, 24-bed facility.
