Grey County recognizes a year of operating short-term emergency housing

Grey County is proudly celebrating more than a year of directly operating the short-term emergency housing at 713 9th Avenue East in Owen Sound. In the first 12 months of operation, the service has supported over 375 households during periods of housing crisis. This represents 480 unique individuals, including families and more than 50 children under the age of 16.

Grey County has been working with local operators to offer motel-style emergency housing for several years. This type of housing provides a higher level of privacy and security than a conventional congregate shelter setting, making it a more compassionate option for individuals and families in crisis. By purchasing the former Diamond Motor Inn in Owen Sound, Grey County can deliver motel spaces at about half the previous cost, freeing up more funding to expand response during peak winter periods.

“Savings from the motel program have created critically needed capacity to expand our winter response,” said Randy Scherzer, Grey County Chief Administrative Officer. “By funding overflow spaces and supporting Safe N Sound’s out of the cold program, Grey County was able to offer up to 60 emergency housing spaces per night during the peak winter season."

The short-term emergency housing program is supported by a range of wraparound services on-site, helping individuals move beyond crisis toward stability. Over the past 12 months, these supports helped 176 households transition from Grey County’s real-time homelessness list into longer-term permanent housing.

“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home,” said Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs. “We know that providing stable, dignified housing is a critical first step for people experiencing homelessness. This site and the team behind it are making a tangible difference for individuals and families across our community who are facing some of their most difficult days.”

The short-term emergency housing will continue to play a central role in Grey County’s housing and homelessness response strategy, providing residents in need with support, compassionate care, and a path to permanent housing.

More information about the short-term emergency housing program and other Grey County housing services can be found online at www.grey.ca/ or by calling Grey County at 1-800-567-4739.

-30-

For media inquiries, contact Rob Hatten, communications manager, at rob.hatten [at] grey.ca (rob[dot]hatten[at]grey[dot]ca) or call 519-373-1592.