Residents have a unique opportunity to get an inside look at the Women's and Youth Crisis Centre Grey Bruce.
An open house is planned at the newly renovated Community Engagement Centre on 10th Street West in Owen Sound.
Executive Director Heather Sheldrick said the new centre was part of their strategic plan, and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services increased their funding to hire an outreach councilor.
"To have a space where women and youth can come and get services," explained Sheldrick. "So we have walk in counselling available. But also to have our community partners have a space to come in and meet with us. It's also our fundraising headquarters."
People will be able to learn all about their services and supports, while also taking a virtual tour of the emergency shelter facilities.
"On average we serve about 160 women and children at our emergency shelter," Sheldrick added. "We find that is the capacity that we can serve. Unfortunately it's never empty. We always have the beds full there."
Sheldrick hopes the drop in event will foster an greater awareness of how their program can build safer and healthier communities. She said their new youth emergency shelter is not at capacity, but they hope to spread the word that the crisis facility is available.
"Youth who are experiencing homelessness, or maybe detatchment from their parents," she continued. "Couch surfing, or at risk of maybe not understanding what healthy relationships are. And maybe going in a direction that is not good for them. And it relates to human trafficking."
Sheldrick pointed out that human trafficking is an ongoing concern in the area, with the region being easily accessible from both land and water.
The province covers about 40 per cent of the operating cost of the youth shelter, and local fundraising needs to cover about $500,000 a year.
The drop-in event runs from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on October 20. Participants can discover volunteer and community engagement opportunities. Light refreshments will be available.
