Community Members Invited to Apply for Community Liaison Committee

Pete Fisher
3 months ago
• Categories: Local, Upcoming Events

Community members invited to apply for Community Liaison Committee to support modernized shelter services at 310 Division Street, Cobourg

Northumberland County is inviting applications from individuals interested in participating in a Community Liaison Committee (CLC) to support the successful delivery of modernized homeless shelter services at 310 Division Street, Cobourg.

This fall, homeless shelter services will transition to 310 Division Street, with expanded services to help improve pathways out of homelessness for people in need. This new and improved shelter will introduce a 24/7 hub, offering approximately 35 emergency shelter spaces alongside drop-in warming and cooling spaces, health, wellness and skill-building programming and a resource centre – all located in one central facility. These shelter spaces will reduce barriers for couples, 2SLGBTQ+ community members, individuals with pets, and people with disabilities, improving access to shelter for more people in our community.

Earlier this year, Northumberland County and Transition House conducted extensive community consultation to collect feedback from neighbours, community members, local businesses, community partners and people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity to inform plans for 310 Division Street. A key theme identified as part of this process, and presented as a recommendation to County Council, was community interest in the creation of a CLC to facilitate communication between community members and shelter management.

To advance this recommendation, the County engaged OrgCode – leaders in homelessness system transformations – to advise on best and common practices for the establishment of shelter CLCs. OrgCode has assisted in devising a committee framework designed to align with community expectations and foster effective collaboration between shelter staff and residents.

Following endorsement by County Council of a presentation on the matter by OrgCode at the August 14th meeting of Council, the County is now recruiting participants to form the 310 Division CLC. This will be a committee of diverse perspectives, including 12 to 15 members representing shelter neighbours, community members, people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, local businesses, faith organizations, Cobourg Police Services, Town, County and shelter staff, and community partners that work closely with the shelter and its clients.

“This committee will play a vital role in helping to integrate shelter services effectively within the neighbourhood and the broader community, delivering the best possible support to vulnerable community members, and ensuring strong neighbour relations,” states County Associate Director of Housing and Homelessness Rebecca Carman. “We encourage interested community members to apply to join the CLC to contribute their voice and support the shelter’s success, improving pathways out of homelessness for people in need. We greatly value the opinions and ideas of shelter neighbours and local community members, and look forward to working together to create opportunities and resolve challenges.”

CLCs are generally put in place for a shelter’s first year of operations, focusing on addressing initial concerns, setting up effective communication channels, and integrating the shelter into the neighborhood. As shelter operations stabilize and become routine, the need for a dedicated liaison committee often decreases. Ongoing communication is typically then maintained through established channels, regular community meetings, or other mechanisms that support continued engagement without the need for a formal committee.

The 310 Division CLC will therefore meet once per month for at least a one-year term, with the possibility for continuance. At these monthly meetings, committee members will share information, discuss ideas and collectively problem solve concerns. The committee will be an advisory body, providing guidance and feedback to help the County and Transition House make informed decisions for the shelter’s successful integration within the neighbourhood and community.

Individuals interested in applying to join the 310 Division CLC are invited to submit an Expression of Interest by September 18th to begin their application process. All applicants will be required to attend an in-person training session in Cobourg on September 25th from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. to learn about homelessness in Northumberland, shelter services, and the structure and purpose of a CLC.

Community members who are interested in applying for the CLC must be available to volunteer at least 2.5 hours per month to attend Committee meetings and review materials. To submit an Expression of Interest, visit Northumberland.ca/ShelterModernization.

Homelessness in Northumberland Training Session
Mandatory training* for community members interested in applying for the CLC. Registration required by submitting an Expression of Interest form.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Council Chambers,

555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg

*Exceptions or alternate arrangements may be available. To be considered for an exception, please submit an Expression of Interest and indicate your level of understanding and experience with homelessness, and explain your interest in participating on the CLC