St. Catharines mayor says regional shelter staff don't have staff to help city warming centres
St. Catharines mayor tackling what he calls misinformation about the Region's efforts to help the homeless, especially during the cold.
Mat Siscoe says the city's public facilities such as pools or libraries are open during business hours to warm up, but not as overnight shelters.
He adds the Regional shelters do not have the staff for city facilities. "I'm putting this out there because there are some out there trying to say 'This is all that needs to be done.' That's an unfair characterization. The region does not have the staffing resources to add that much capacity."
The mayor repeated the number to call to get someone help is 2-1-1.
He further stated about the arenas, libraries and swimming pools. "They do not have any additional services, and are only open during business hours. These facilities available to warm up cannot act as shelters, the city does not have the staff."
The mayor adds he'll keep pushing for provincial help, to help those struggling with addiction, and for people to reach out to their regional councillors.
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