The Executive Director of the Perth Huron United Way says they've partnered with Choices for Change to address some of the social issues in North Huron.
United Way Executive Director Ryan Erb says they have identified two issues as the two most pressing needs.
“One of them was homelessness and the other was mental health. And so we wondered what can we do about it and we began looking at the various options and talking to social service agencies and thought what we need to do is replicate a program that we've piloted now in Exeter and Stratford that we call a Connection Centre,” said Erb.
Erb says the Centre would service people in North Huron, Howick and Morris-Turnberry.
“A place where people who are living rough, who are homeless, can access services and get connected to services. They can also get some of their basic needs met, whether it's food, or a warm meal or laundry services or even a washroom, things that are sometimes hard to find,” added Erb.
The cost to operate the centre between September and April would run about $66,000. And Erb hopes they can raise more than half of that through this year's Coldest Night of the Year event.
More information about the North Huron Connection Centre and how to sign up for the Coldest Night of the Year event can be found on the United Way Perth Huron website.