Community Liaison Committee launches to support modernized shelter services at 310 Division Street

Committee members met for the first time on the evening of Tuesday, December 17, where they established shared goals, identified focus areas, and reinforced their commitment to action-oriented outcomes. The CLC brings together 21 members representing diverse perspectives, including neighbours in the immediate vicinity of the shelter, residents of the broader Cobourg community, and individuals with lived experience of homelessness and housing insecurity, along with delegates from local businesses, the faith community, and community agencies, members of Northumberland Paramedics and the Cobourg Police, and Town, County, and shelter staff. Members will provide valuable guidance and feedback as the County and Transition House work to deliver the best possible support to vulnerable community members while ensuring strong neighbour relations.

Community Liaison Committee members include:

Community Members

• Chloe Craig
• Erisa Katono
• Rob James
• Kendra Simmons
• Bob LeDrew
• Catherine White
• Hillary Allen
• Kim Gay
• Sheri Syer
• Beth Bellaire
• Liz Greaves
• Brenda Whitehead

Delegates

• Carolyn Rutherford, Community Health Centres of Northumberland
• Emma Taylor, Northumberland Hills Hospital Community Mental Health Services
• Jennifer Bogart, Cobourg Downtown Business Improvement Area
• Daniel Gaito, Trinity United Church
• Kim Wilkinson, Northumberland Paramedics
• Janice MacDonald, Cobourg Police Service
• Chris Challenger, Town of Cobourg

County and shelter representatives

• Ike Nwibe, Transition House
• Meaghan Macdonald, Transition House
• Bill Smith, Northumberland County
• Rebecca Carman, Northumberland County

The creation of the CLC builds on best practices, and was established in partnership with OrgCode Consulting, experts in homelessness system transformations. Monthly committee meetings will provide a forum for sharing information, resolving challenges, and advancing solutions to support the local integration of shelter services.

The next CLC meeting will be in January 2025 (date to be determined). Agendas will be publicly available at Northumberland.ca/ShelterModernization, along with minutes once they are approved by the CLC. Community members who would like to reach out to the CLC can email ShelterCLC@northumberland.ca.