Safe ‘N Sound and Grey County Expand Winter Shelter Services, Launch New Outreach Pilot
Grey County and Safe ‘N Sound are coordinating expanded homelessness supports this winter, including 24-hour shelter access and more nightly accommodations.
With colder weather approaching, Safe ‘N Sound Grey Bruce and Grey County are expanding emergency shelter services and introducing a new downtown outreach initiative to better support both the unhoused population and local businesses.
Winter Shelter Expands to 24/7 Operations
Beginning November 1, Safe ‘N Sound will operate 24 hours a day—aside from a brief midday closure for cleaning and maintenance—providing a warm, safe space for individuals experiencing homelessness. The organization offers emergency shelter, access to basic needs, and on-site support from trained staff.
Grey County’s Short-Term Shelter Program will also ramp up its capacity for the winter months. On average, 44 motel rooms will be available nightly, including rooms at the County-owned former Diamond Motor Inn in Owen Sound, which was acquired in early 2024. Bringing the shelter program in-house has reduced nightly operating costs by more than 50%, while maintaining service to individuals and families in need.
“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.”
In the previous winter season, Safe ‘N Sound welcomed an average of 30 people overnight and between 70 and 80 people each day at its drop-in centre. Grey County’s 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. The City of Owen Sound does not contribute financial support to Safe ‘N Sound’s shelter services, and has not publicly disclosed any 2025 funding allocations to the organization.
New Downtown Outreach Pilot Launching in Downtown Owen Sound
In a related announcement, the City of Owen Sound shared on October 24 that Safe ‘N Sound and the Supportive Outreach Services (SOS) program are launching a new pilot project in early November.
The Neighbourhood Response Team is designed to bridge the gap between downtown businesses and the city’s unhoused population by offering on-the-ground outreach and connection to services. It will act as a social navigation unit—responding to public and business concerns, helping individuals access services, retrieving personal items left in public spaces, and safely disposing of sharps.
As we reported on October 14, the pilot is funded by the federal government through a $432,400 Health Canada grant administered by Grey County, with support from the SOS program.
City officials did not respond to Owen Sound Current’s inquiries requesting clarification on their media release and information about any financial support from the City toward the project.
Rob Hatten, Communications Coordinator for Grey County, explained the City’s role in the Neighbourhood Response program, “The City of Owen Sound, in addition to leading the business community consultations, is helping the Neighbourhood Response Team connect with businesses and promote the pilot.”
The pilot will run through March 31, 2026. Once operational, the Neighbourhood Response Team will be reachable via 211 or a direct local number (519-373-6263). A new page on Safe ‘N Sound’s website will provide program details, contact options, and a public feedback form.
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