Safe ‘N Sound Grey Bruce and Grey County’s Short-Term Shelter Program are expanding their services to help more people find warmth and safety as winter approaches.
Beginning November 1, Safe ‘N Sound will keep its doors open 24 hours a day, with only a brief mid-day closure for cleaning and maintenance. The Owen Sound-based organization provides a safe space, basic needs, and support from trained staff to people with nowhere else to go.
One former participant said the care they received at the shelter helped them through a desperate time.
“I'd like to thank Safe ‘N Sound for taking me in when I had no one. The staff are very kind and the Participants are well looked after. That's the best I'd eaten in probably six months," they explained. "One particular bright night, one of the employees talked to me. They were kind. I was on the verge of ending it all, but they and I had a conversation where they convinced me of my worth. My time there was hard, but made tolerable thanks to staff.”
At the same time, Grey County is doubling the capacity of its Short-Term Shelter Program for the coldest months of the year. On average, 44 motel rooms will be available each night this winter, including rooms at the county-owned former Diamond Motor Inn in Owen Sound, which began operating as short-term housing earlier this year. Additional rooms will also be available at other motels across Grey County.
The program supports individuals and families in crisis and connects them with other services, including the affordable housing waitlist.
“Everyone needs a safe place to escape the cold and often harsh winter conditions we experience here in Grey County,” said Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs. “This winter, the Short-Term Shelter Program will provide thousands of nights of safety and comfort to families and individuals across the region who have nowhere else to turn.”
Last winter, Safe ‘N Sound welcomed an average of 30 people each night and up to 80 people a day in its drop-in centre. The Grey County Short-Term Shelter Program provided 7,278 nights of accommodation between November 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
Overnight operations at Safe ‘N Sound are funded by Grey County and community donations.
