Shelter Backgrounder Q & A's

Do we have a homelessness problem in Sarnia - I mean, we don't see people sleeping on street corners?

Our homeless tend to do a lot of couch surfing (staying with family, friends and acquaintances each for a few nights until they run out of options.  Then it's more hidden locations or the parks until they come to The Inn.

What is the current need for emergency shelter in Sarnia?

On average, 15-18 people a night.  Depending on construction projects in the Valley, this can get worse as workers come to Sarnia and start to take up the already low supply of affordable housing.

How does emergency shelter help people?

The shelter provides temporary housing (usually up to 30 days) while the staff assists the client find permanent housing through housing searches and land lord contacts.

What is transitional housing?

This is more longer-term housing for clients with a track record of not being able to retain their housing.  These 'hard-to-house' clients tend to have been raised in environment where they have learned few life-skills.  The transitional housing program teaches life skills (such as budgeting, communications, maintaining a home, cleaning and household chores, personal hygiene, being a good tenant & neighbour, etc.) and when the client is ready, enables them to move out on their own with much greater ability to retain housing.

The name of the facility is The Good Shepherd's Lodge - where did that come from?

A contest was held at The Inn and over 60 names were suggested by the clients themselves.  The winning name was actually a combination of 3 entries.

How many people can stay at The Good Shepherd Lodge?

There are 25 beds in the Shelter plus 2 family rooms and 19 beds in Transitional Housing.

Our Mission: To provide services with dignity to those who are in need of food and shelter.