Red Cross pitches in to launch Sudbury Out of the Cold program

Sudbury's Out of the Cold Shelter opened last night in a former police station in the downtown core.

It's the only shelter where those who are intoxicated can sleep during the cold winter months.

The city's co-ordinator of shelters and homelessness programs said there were about 420 visits to last year's pilot program, which lasted seven weeks.

Gail Spencer noted there were never more than 19 people on any given night at last year's shelter, and that's why 20 cots are set up in the new spot.

And, unlike last year, the building is also accessible to those with disabilities.

“So we have wheelchair accessibility at the front,” she said.

“People who need to utilize that can access through the parking lot. There's a ramp that goes right to the front door and everything is completely accessible.”

The Red Cross is currently operating the shelter, and is providing the cots and linens.

It is also staffing the shelter for the first few days before the Salvation Army takes over its operation.

Red Cross spokesperson David St. George said his volunteers have the right skills for this job.

“The disaster management team is extensively trained to deal with a variety of personal issues and special needs resulting from disasters, whether it be weather or man-made,” he said.

“This is a bit of a unique situation for us.”

The shelter is open from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. every night.