Owen Sound, Ontario – The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is pleased to announce the receipt of a generous $16,500 donation from Bruce Power in support of its Homelessness Response programming. This donation will provide vital assistance to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or precarious housing in Bruce County.

Matthew Shute, Director of the YMCA’s Community, Employment, and Settlement Programs for Grey-Bruce, expressed his deep gratitude for the generous donation, emphasizing its significant impact on the program’s ability to address urgent community needs. “Our Homelessness Response Program often operates at full capacity, and this donation will provide critical support in several key areas. With this contribution, we’ll be able to offer more shelter space and support over the winter months with increased ability to ensure that our community members facing homelessness are not left without a safe place to stay during critical times,” said Shute.

From October to the end of 2024, the YMCA provided 1,255 individual nights of shelter, partnering with Bruce County to assist over 50 individuals and families in moving from homelessness to stable housing. The Homelessness Response team works tirelessly to connect people with safe, secure, and affordable housing solutions, helping to break the cycle of homelessness and remind people that housing is seen as a human right and not merely a commodity.

Homelessness is often the result of complex, interconnected issues such as a lack of affordable housing, poverty, unemployment, and personal crises like relationship breakdowns, health problems, and job loss. These challenges can be exacerbated by homelessness, making them even harder to overcome. However, the YMCA believes that homelessness is preventable and can be ended with the right support, which is why donations like the one from Bruce Power are so crucial.

“At Bruce Power, we are committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work. We are proud to support the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce and its efforts to address homelessness in our region,” said John Peevers, Director of Community, Media Relations & Economic Development at Bruce Power. “We believe that by working together, we can help make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families facing homelessness throughout Bruce County.”

The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce thanks Bruce Power for being part of the solution to end homelessness in Bruce County. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. If you are looking for housing support, please contact the YMCA at 519-371-9222 or housing@osgb.ymca.ca.

For Media Inquiries: 
Matthew Shute,
Director, Community Initiatives, Employment Services & Settlement Services
YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce
P: 519-371-9222 | E: matt.shute@osgb.ymca.ca