Pauline’s Place, a Sault shelter for youth, women and families, moved from its old location at 923 Queen St. East to its new location in the former Steelton Seniors Centre at 235 Wellington St. West on Aug. 17.
“Pauline’s Place has been looking for another location to better serve youth, women and families for a while and this opportunity arose. Our other shelter at 923 Queen St. East is in need of plumbing and heating repairs...we are still in the process of determining how to best utilize our services and how best to serve the homeless population in our community,” wrote Anne Penney, Pauline's Place executive director, in an email sent to SooToday Wednesday.
Pauline's Place helps homeless youth (16 and 17-year-old males, females from 16 to 21), women and families by providing temporary emergency shelter and the basics such as food, clothing, and hygiene products.
The shelter’s staff aims to help clients find permanent housing, while also creating public awareness of the causes of homelessness and those at risk.
“Things will be staying the same,” Penney wrote, in the sense the new shelter will still have room for seven youth, 12 women, two families and accessibility for one person with a disability or special needs.
“Because of COVID we have put our numbers down, however, we do not turn anyone away. We always try to help in any way we can,” Penney stated.
“We are hoping to continue to receive donations of furniture and household items to help individuals get back on their feet. If you wish to donate items please call 705-759-4663 to arrange drop off,” Penney wrote.
The building has not been used as a seniors centre since 2017, the City of Sault Ste. Marie having put the building up for sale in Jan. 2020.
The Steelton Seniors Centre building was constructed in the early 20th century, with a two-storey addition added in the late 1960s.
Total square footage of the facility is over 8,400 square feet.
Prior to Pauline’s Place moving in, the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSMSSAB) had acquired the centre during the COVID-19 pandemic for overflow purposes to ensure shelters were not at over capacity.