Bruce Power donates $16,500 to support homelessness response program in Grey-Bruce

Bruce Power has donated $16,500 to the YMCA of Owen Sound-Grey-Bruce in support of its homelessness response program to help in the critical need to address an issue facing many people in the region and across Ontario.

One of Bruce Power’s core values is social responsibility, and it has committed to work with the YMCA in providing vital assistance to individuals and families in Bruce County who are experiencing homelessness or are facing precarious housing situations.

“At Bruce Power, we are committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work,” said John Peevers, director of community, media relations and economic development. “We are proud to support the YMCA of Owen Sound-Grey-Bruce and its efforts to address homelessness in our region. 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.”

From October to the end of 2024, the YMCA provided 1,255 individual nights of shelter, partnering with Bruce County to assist more than 50 individuals and families in moving from homelessness to stable housing. With the severe winter conditions that have persisted through 2025, there is a strong need to ensure that no one is left out in the cold.

“We applaud the YMCA of Owen Sound-Grey-Bruce and are grateful for its partnership as we work to help those who require these crucial services,” said Bruce County warden Luke Charbonneau. “We all need to work together to make sure that all individuals in our communities are safe and have a roof over their heads.”

The homelessness response team works tirelessly to connect people with safe, secure, and affordable housing solutions, helping to break the cycle of homelessness, and reminding people that housing should be viewed as a human right and not merely a commodity.

“Our homelessness response program often operates at full capacity, and this donation will provide critical support in several key areas,” said Matthew Shute, director of the YMCA’s community, employment, and settlement programs for Grey-Bruce. “With this contribution, we’ll be able to offer more shelter space and support over the winter months, with an increased ability to ensure that our community members facing homelessness are not left without a safe place to stay during critical times.”

Homelessness is often the result of complex, inter-connected issues, such as a lack of affordable housing, poverty, unemployment, and personal crises including 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.

If you are looking for housing support, contact the YMCA at 519-371-9222 or housing@osgb.ymca.ca.



John Peevers (centre) of Bruce Power presents a donation to Matthew Shute (left) and Sarah Cowley of the YMCA of Owen Sound-Grey-Bruce, in support of the homelessness response program