Southridge Shelter adds beds to accommodate higher demand

In an effort to accommodate the increased demand for overnight shelters in St. Catharines, Southridge Shelter is expanding by adding 15 beds on a temporary basis.

Available to males only, the beds will be in operation from Nov. 15 until the end of March. These are in addition to 40 beds available through the year-round co-ed shelter.

Southridge Shelter director Annie Froese said Southridge opted to add the beds in an effort to mitigate some of the need in the community.

“We want to be part of the solution.” Southridge, in St. Catharines, is Niagara’s largest emergency hostel. Unlike some of the other facilities in the region, the shelter is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Funding for the additional shelter beds was provided through Niagara Region.

Southridge operates as a dry shelter, meaning that anyone presenting with signs of alcohol or drug use is not permitted entry.

“There is a need across the system for a place for people to stay where they can be free from temptation as part of their recovery,” Froese said.

People who stay there typically stay for 30 to 60 days in a dormlike setting, where they have their own space, including a bed and locker.

There are separate sleeping dorms for men and women, complete with showers and laundry facilities.

Froese said in addition to three meals a day, there is also recreation and recovery-based programming for them.

Each person is matched with an on-staff coach that works with them to navigate the best steps moving forward to find permanent housing.

Volunteers are always welcome. For more information, call 905-682-2477 or visit southridgeshelter.ca.