Safe ‘N Sound and Grey County ramping up homelessness supports for the winter season

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Safe ‘N Sound Grey Bruce and Grey County’s Short-Term Shelter Program will be making the seasonal switch over in services to expand access for the coldest months of the year. On November 1, Safe ‘N Sound will begin keeping their doors open 24 hours a day (with a brief mid-day closure each day for cleaning and maintenance) to provide shelter from the winter elements to those with nowhere safe to sleep at night. Safe ‘N Sound provides space and basic needs resources, as well as support from trained staff.

Regarding winter services, one former Participant said, “I'd like to thank Safe ‘N Sound for taking me in when I had no one. The staff are very kind and the Participants are well looked after. That's the best I'd eaten in probably six months. One particular bright night one of the employees talked to me. They were kind. I was on the verge of ending it all but they and I had a conversation where they convinced me of my worth. My time there was hard but made tolerable thanks to staff.”

Grey County doubles the capacity of the Short-Term Shelter Program during the coldest months. On average, 44 motel rooms are available per night in the winter, including onsite at the county-owned and operated former motel in Owen Sound, and in at other motels in the County. The Short-Term Shelter Program supports individuals and families and helps them connect with additional support services, including the affordable housing waitlist.  

“Everyone needs a safe place to escape the cold and often harsh winter conditions we experience here in Grey County. This winter, the Short-Term Shelter Program will provide thousands of nights of safety and comfort to families and individuals across the region who have nowhere else to turn,” said Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs.

More information about the short-term shelter program is available by calling 519-376-5744 or emailing stsp [at] grey.ca (stsp[at]grey[dot]ca).

Quick Facts

• Last winter season, Safe ‘N Sound welcomed an average of 30 people a night and 70-80 people a day into its drop-in centre.
• Overnight operations at Safe ‘N Sound are funded by Grey County and community donations.
• The Grey County Short-Term Shelter Program provided 7,278 nights of accommodation between November 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025.
• Grey County purchased the 22-room former Diamond Motor Inn in Owen Sound in early 2024 and began operating the short-term housing program in-house that spring. Nightly program operating costs have been reduced by over 50%.

Media Inquiries

Rob Hatten
Communications Manager, Grey County
rob.hatten [at] grey.ca (rob[dot]hatten[at]grey[dot]ca)
519-373-1592

Wren Laurel Fitzakerley
Fundraising & Communications Manager, Safe ‘N Sound
fundraising [at] safensoundgreybruce.ca (fundraising[at]safensoundgreybruce[dot]ca)