TBDSSAB funding will add 45 overflow spaces to emergency shelter system

Media Release: TBDSSAB funding will add 45 overflow spaces to emergency shelter system

December 17, 2025 –The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) is funding an additional 45 overflow spaces.

In response to the higher-than-average shelter usage, TBDSSAB has service agreements with Salvation Army and Urban Abbey to add 45 overflow beds to the service system before the end of December. Salvation Army will add 20 overflow beds at their Cumberland Street location. Urban Abbey will also add an additional 25 overflow beds at their Simpson Street location.

With these additional spaces, the total emergency shelter capacity is 236.

TBDSSAB carefully monitors shelter usage data as reported through the Homelessness Service System Data Tool (HSSDT). Though shelter usage has been higher than in previous years, the system has not reached capacity to a point where any individual has been turned away due to lack of available beds. As an added precaution, TBDSSAB also offers funding for emergency shelter providers to arrange nightly motel stays if all shelter and overflow beds are full.

Quotes:

“We’re paying attention to what’s going on out there. We check usage numbers daily. There is capacity to grow as needed. By working together and keeping an eye on the trends in data, we are better able to respond to the needs of our community.
– Crystal Simeoni, Director Integrated Social Services