Safe ‘N Sound has announced the purchase of a new building that will soon become a year-round shelter space in Owen Sound. Thanks to $500,000 in federal funding, disbursed through the Rural and Remote stream of Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, as administered by United Way Simcoe Muskoka, this dedicated shelter will provide a warm, safe place to rest for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Located at 612 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, the shelter will serve nighttime needs, while daytime drop-in and support services will continue at our current location. Once complete, the building will include 26 beds to support some of the most vulnerable members of our community, along with space for other agencies, such as SOS (Supportive Outreach Services), Brightshores, M’Wikwedong, CMHA and others, to meet with their service users in the mornings.
“This milestone was built by many people over two decades: staff, board members, participants, partners, and neighbours who poured their hearts into making it possible,” said Annette Pedlar, Executive Director of Safe ‘N Sound. “We are creating a place where people are received with dignity, warmth, and care. It is a proud step toward a community where everyone has a safe place to sleep. This achievement is significant, yet our work is not done. With ongoing community education, collaboration, and advocacy, we are working toward a future where every neighbour has a place to call home and support to thrive.”
The building requires renovations before it can open its doors, and while an exact opening date is still to be confirmed, Safe ‘N Sound is hopeful the shelter will be operational by early 2026.
“This is a pivotal moment for our community which reflects a shared understanding that homelessness is a systems issue requiring real infrastructure and low-barrier responses rooted in dignity, equity, and care,” said Rachel Paterson, Board Chair of Safe ‘N Sound. “Guided by the voices of our participants, our feasibility study, and aligned with provincial housing goals, we are grateful for the opportunity to create a shelter on these lands which will offer safety, connection, and belonging. This space will serve as a long-term community hub of support and possibility for participants, strengthening well-being and pathways forward for years to come.”
This milestone would not have been possible without the support of the community. In addition to government contributions, ongoing fundraising efforts and local generosity have played a key role in bridging the gap toward purchasing and renovating the space. Support from The County of Grey, Community Foundations Grey Bruce, and 100 Women Who Care Grey Bruce also helped ensure this vision could become a reality.
“Reaching Home provides funding to communities to deliver projects based on local priorities that achieve clear outcomes,” said Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “With this funding, Safe ’N Sound in Grey Bruce can offer vulnerable community members experiencing homelessness a warm, safe place to rest.”
While this is a major step forward, Safe ‘N Sound will continue to rely on community support to fund day-to-day operations and vital services. The journey toward a more inclusive and compassionate Grey Bruce region is a shared one, and we’re so grateful to walk it together.
