The Executive Director of Transition House has explained further details of the changes that allowed shelter operations to continue.
On October 31, 2024, the Cobourg Fire Department approved an updated fire safety plan at 10 Chapel Street allowing for shelter operations to continue.
The main difference is that the capacity has gone from 22 beds to only 10.
Transition House Executive Director Ike Nwibe said along with the reduction in beds, “We also installed some new doors and had self-closure installed, installed an additional fire extinguisher, and engaged a fire safety company to carry out an assessment of all the fire safety equipment.”
Today’s Northumberland also reached out to Transition House after a reader asked about drug paraphernalia being handed out to residents.
Nwibe said, “Transition House provides essential support services for community members in need. In cases where clients are dealing with substance use disorder, Transition House helps to coordinate resources for those seeking detox/treatment, and also partners with PARN and the HKPR Public Health Harm Reduction Works Program to help people who use drugs improve their safety.
Transition House is not a safe consumption site and does not allow the use of substances onsite. However, staff do ensure that when an individual chooses to use, they have access to clean equipment such as needles, tourniquets, and alcohol swabs, to prevent the spread of infections and diseases. Harm reduction through the provision of clean equipment is recognized as a lifesaving principle for supporting individuals with addiction until they are ready to move to recovery.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
