Various factors have impacted the 40-bed shelter expansion at River City Vineyard (RCV) but members are hopeful for a "slow opening" soon.
The expansion project started a few years ago. It was hoped more beds would be available this past spring but progress has been slow going.
"The cost is more than double than what we originally thought so that's probably been our giant hurdle. COVID obviously made the cost increase exponentially and just delayed everything. It's been going as smoothly as possible," said Worship Pastor Renee Card. "We're just trying to be as patient as we can and as the finances come, we push ahead, and then if the finances run low, we just sit tight until we can proceed again."
A recent RCV post on social media read they are "finally in the home stretch" but Card said it's difficult to share a specific timeline for when the project will be complete.
"We know we have to have the staff and security in place before we can open the full 40 beds," she said. "We're kind of working with the United Way on some potential funding for a security guard but obviously we can't get the security guard in until we're open. So it's just kind of having all of the balls up in the air and hoping that things will work out."
Once the expansion is finished, Card said the women's side will likely open first and more beds will open later on as staff and finances permit.
RCV hopes to raise money for the expansion during the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraiser on February 25, 2023.
The first in-person (second overall) CNOY walk in support of RCV was held in February 2022. It exceeded expectations by raising $57,000, which is $17,000 more than its $40,000 goal.
Card said this year, the goal is set at $50,000 and they hope to see over 100 participants walking in Mitton Village.
"Obviously if we exceed that need -- because we are getting fairly close to being able to open -- then the finances that we raise are just going to go to operational costs of maintaining and running the shelter," Card said.
CNOY is a nationwide initiative to support those in need.
The only other CNOY fundraiser to be held locally will support Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton with two build projects.
Habitat's walk will go along Sarnia Bay and the goal is to raise $40,000.
Residents can register a team for the two-kilometre or five-kilometre walk online. Those who raise over $150 will receive a 2023 CNOY toque and children under the age of 18 only need to raise $75. Donations to either organization can be made online as well.