YORKTON - A new low barrier emergency shelter has finally opened its doors with the first client taking a bed Oct. 6.
The facility, known as Bruno’s Place, had been expected to open in early summer at its 139 Dominion Avenue location, but there were delays in renovations pushing the opening until earlier this month.
The facility has 10 beds, as allowed by the city, said shelter coordinator Angela Chernoff, adding they have already “almost been at full capacity. We started with one and it’s been gradually going up.”
As the temperatures drop with winter in the offing, Chernoff expects there will be a growing demand for the limited beds.
“I would anticipate that for sure,” she said.
The beds at the shelter are however temporary in nature, reminded Chernoff, explaining they are for use by people needing an immediate place to sleep, or face a night on the street.
However, people should not expect to use the bed regularly, she added.
In fact, the plan is to work with clients to help them access services from other sources so they can transition from needing an emergency bed.
“We’ll assist them with working out their next step. We just want to be that bridge,” said Chernoff.
In that regard Chernoff said past a first night emergency clients are expected to show some effort in working toward improving their own situations with the help of shelter staff and other agencies in the community, said Chernoff.
“In order to stay here they need to be working toward their goals,” she said. “We want it to be temporary (here).”
