Windsor opens temporary shelter following COVID-19 outbreak at Downtown Mission
Posted Feb 22, 2021 06:00:00 PM.
WINDSOR, Ont. — The City of Windsor says it’s opening a temporary facility for the homeless following a COVID-19 outbreak at a shelter.
The Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre will be the site of the temporary shelter. That facility will be open to people experiencing homelessness starting on Wednesday.
Dr. Wajid Ahmed, the medical officer of health for Windsor-Essex County, has issued an order limiting the operations of the Downtown Mission in light of the outbreak.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said that the city had given the Downtown Mission approximately $1 million in emergency funding to help the shelter get through the pandemic. He said that when the shelter had to be closed the city worked to come up with interim solutions.
“We must come together as a community to support those who need help the most during this public health crisis,” said Dilkens.
Several agencies, including the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Windsor-Essex County branch, are helping with the transition to the temporary facility.
The Canadian Red Cross is also contributing to the creation of the new temporary shelter.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 22, 2021.
The Canadian Press
