Times are tough for the homeless initiative in Owen Sound, but Safe N Sound Board of directors member John Stewart-Vanderburg says it is nothing new.
Grey County recently turned down the group’s request for 30 thousand dollars to help keep the facility going.
Stewart-Vanderburg says the money would have allowed them to hire some part-time staff, and would guarantee the doors would stay open.
When “The Space” drop-in centre opened 3 and a half years ago it handled maybe 20 people a day — but now that number is 30 to 40 a day.
Visitors can eat, shower and socialize, while volunteers or staff members find the right agency to deal with their longer-term needs.
Stewart-Vanderburg is critical of both the provincial and federal governments which provide start up money for new programs, but no on-going funding.
He also blasts the upper levels of government for bailing out big business during the 2008 recession, while ignoring the plight of the poor.
The Space accepts donations and Stewart-Vanderburg gives credit to some of the local churches that donate money occasionally, but says you can’t rely on that money.
