Transition House Navigates COVID-19 Pandemic with Key Northumberland Partner

Pete Fisher
3 years ago
• Categories: Local

Transition House Coalition of Northumberland has successfully navigated this past year with funding and support from Northumberland County and with the generous support of the Northumberland United Way (NUW).

Transition House provides safe, and supportive shelter to our vulnerable individuals within the Northumberland community and over the past year, these individuals were further impacted by
the additional stresses that the pandemic created increasing their experience of homelessness, food security and accessibility to services.

Recognizing the needs and the impact the pandemic placed on our vulnerable residents, Northumberland United Way, an agent for the Employment & Social Development Canada
(“ESDC”), and the COVID-19 Emergency Community Support Fund (“COVID-19 ECSF”) contributed $17,000 in 2020 to Transition House to help alleviate these increased services and
costs.

Furthermore, NUW has committed operational funding into 2021 and continues to support the organziation in so many ways to ensure all people have a safe shelter and now,
respite from the incoming winter months. “We are so fortunate to have organizations such as the Northumberland United Way that proactively reach out to provide well rounded support to our
community’s residents. The Northumberland United Way, continues to champion the fund development and support generation that is required to keep our services going. We are
grateful”, stated Anne Newman, Exectuive Director of Transition House.

Over the 2020-2021 pandemic year, Transition House had to pivot and change their delivery method and provide:
· New and flexible models of emergency shelter;

· increased resource needs in programming and administration;

· diligent screening to provide and account for health and safety Covid protection requirements;

· enhanced food security;

· availability and connection to increased health services.

With the generous support of Northumberland United Way, Transition House was able to successfully navigate this difficult year and increased their knowlege to continue their valuable
work within this sector of our community. With continued support in operational funding for the remainder of the fiscal year, Transition House can continue operations as the shelter remains at a
lowered capacity. The Emergency Shelter Services Manager Chantelle Niles talked about the impact of ongoing check in’s and meaninful donations throughout the year. “On a regular basis
the Northumberland United Way staff would stop by and provide hand sanitizers, hygine products and funds for cell phones so that our clients could remain connected. To me, that is
grassroots support that has made our job easier during this time and had a direct impact on our clients quality of life”.

Transition House recently hosted a panel discussion that provides more detailed information on the community collaborations over the last year that are creating a coordinated system of
providers that are supporting the community together. To view the presentation please visit: https://thshelter.ca/events/

Individuals experiencing homelessness in Northumberland can access shelter services through the coordinated entry system facilitated by Transition House by calling 905 376 9562.