Year-Round Shelter Coming to Owen Sound as Safe 'N Sound Secures Federal Homelessness Funding
The long-awaited permanent shelter will provide 26 beds and a dedicated space for partner agencies, but renovations are still needed before the doors open.
Safe ‘N Sound Grey Bruce has announced the purchase of a new building in downtown Owen Sound that will open in 2026 to serve as a year-round overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
The building, located at 612 2nd Avenue East, was acquired with the help of $500,000 in federal funding, disbursed through the Rural and Remote stream of Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy and administered locally by United Way Simcoe Muskoka.
Once operational, the shelter will offer 26 beds for overnight stays and include space for local service agencies—such as Supportive Outreach Services (SOS), Brightshores, M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre, and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)—to meet with clients in the mornings.
Daytime drop-in and support services will continue at Safe ‘N Sound’s existing location at 310 8th Street East.
“We are creating a place where people are received with dignity, warmth, and care,” said Annette Pedlar, Executive Director of Safe ‘N Sound. “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.”
Safe ‘N Sound has confirmed that renovations are required before the shelter can open to the public. While an exact opening date has not yet been set, the organization is hopeful the new space will be operational sometime in early 2026.
“This is a pivotal moment for our community,” 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.”
The announcement marks a milestone in a decades-long effort by staff, volunteers, and community advocates to establish a permanent shelter in Owen Sound—particularly one that can serve people who may not be eligible for traditional emergency shelter options.
Additional support for the project came from Grey County, Community Foundation Grey Bruce, and 100 Women Who Care Grey Bruce, alongside local donors and ongoing fundraising campaigns.
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While capital costs are partially covered, Safe ‘N Sound will continue to rely on community support for day-to-day operations and long-term sustainability of its programming.
“Safe ‘N Sound has taken a leadership role in developing this much-needed service in our community,” said Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs, in a statement. “I applaud them for their continued compassion and commitment to supporting those in need in Grey County.”
“This facility is a welcome complement to the existing homelessness and outreach services in the community,” added Anne Marie Shaw, Director of Community Services for Grey County.
The announcement comes just months after the expansion of Safe ‘N Sound’s Overnight Warming Program, and amid broader regional efforts to increase shelter capacity during the winter. The new site at 612 2nd Avenue East marks the organization’s first permanent shelter location since its founding.
Safe ‘N Sound has not yet announced a timeline for when renovations will begin or how long they will take. The organization has encouraged community members to follow updates on their website and through social media channels.
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Fabulous news.
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