Today’s Northumberland reached out to YMCA Northumberland after receiving a number of questions by e-mail regarding people from the encampment showering at the facility on Elgin Street in Cobourg.
Below is the response by Manager, Marketing Communications and Media Relations Kathryn Harrison.
“The YMCA’s mission speaks to being a place that is open to all, whether it is with access to fitness activities, community programs, or a place to shower. Throughout the YMCA’s operation on Elgin Street for 43 years, people who do not have access to shower facilities for various reasons; power outages, eviction, working poor, no running water in the home, down on their luck etc. have been able to come to the Y to have a shower for a nominal fee. If the fee is unaffordable, it may be subsidized with funds raised through our Strong Communities Campaign.
Throughout the pandemic, the Y continued to provide this community service and broadened its outreach by working with various organizations to offer members of our community access to shower facilities so they could feel clean and healthy, giving them a sense of purpose for the day ahead.
A lot of misconceptions exist regarding this service that the YMCA has provided for many years and will continue to do so.
All members and non-members who use the facility are treated with respect and dignity. We remain committed to ensuring no one is adversely affected. Our team actively works on schedules, space allocation and maintenance to ensure we provide a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for all.
Homelessness is not a one size fits all. There are many people in our community who are missing the basic needs of life. Individuals and families in need of assistance will be able to get a helping hand from the YMCA.”
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
