The Canadian Mental Health Association – Sudbury/Manitoulin (CMHA-S/M) opened its doors to the permanent location of the Off the Street (OTS) Emergency Shelter on November 25, 2019, at 200 Larch Street in Sudbury.
Greater Sudbury Council transferred 200 Larch Street to CMHA-S/M in 2017 for the creation of a centralized facility for those experiencing chronic homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental illness. Over $2 million, provided by the Province of Ontario’s Home for Good program and an interest-free loan provided by the City of Greater Sudbury, allowed for significant renovations to make this space accessible.
OTS emergency shelter operates year-round and offer 35 cots. Open seven days a week from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., the shelter provides a safe warm place to sleep with light snacks, outreach and referral services to individuals 18+ of all genders who are homeless and unable to access other shelter services.
As a low barrier shelter, OTS aims to help as many people as possible. The shelter will not turn away people who are under the influence. However, security will conduct bag checks, and no drugs, alcohol or weapons will be permitted on the premises.
CMHA’s Healing with Hope Home and Sudbury District Nurse Practitioner Clinic’s third location also operate out of 200 Larch Street.
“We work closely with all of our partners to provide this low barrier shelter for some of our downtown citizens that have nowhere else to go,” said Cindy Rose, CMHA Manager, Harm Reduction and Shelter Services.
The Off the Street Emergency Shelter accepts donations of coffee, hot chocolate, tea, packaged snacks, toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, lip balm), and warm clothing. Please call CMHA-S/M at 705-675-7252 extension 210 for donation inquiries or email donations@cmha-sm.on.ca.