The 55-bed facility offers unhoused residents a warm, dry place to stay for the night

Oxford County has formalized a partnership with Operation Sharing to maintain emergency overnight shelter services at The Inn, a 55-bed facility at Old St. Paul's Anglican Church in Woodstock. This agreement follows a County-supported expansion at the Dundas Street facility earlier this year and reaffirms a commitment to supporting vulnerable and unhoused populations in Oxford.

The Inn provides year-round shelter services for residents who need a warm, dry place to stay overnight. Operation Sharing also operates a daytime space at College Avenue Church on Wilson Street where clients can access job training, employment assistance, counselling, and wraparound services like case management, mental health support, food assistance, and emergency financial aid through Oxford County Human Services. Medical care is provided through partnerships to ensure comprehensive support for clients.

While the partnership with Oxford County ensures continued support for the emergency shelter program, ongoing community support is crucial for operating daytime services, supporting programs, and security. Donations of money, food, clothing, and other essentials are vital to sustain these services. Volunteers are also needed to assist with meal service, sort donations, and support fundraising efforts.

Oxford County collaborates with community partners like Operation Sharing to provide immediate relief for those experiencing homelessness while working on long-term solutions that address the underlying root causes. Guided by Goal 1.1, “100% Housed,” in Oxford County’s Strategic Plan, in support of the County’s 10-Year Shelter Plan: Housing for All and the Master Housing Strategy, Oxford is working to address critical needs for vulnerable and unhoused populations, including transitional, supportive, and affordable housing.

Operation Sharing also provides emergency overnight shelter at Out of the Cold in Tillsonburg, located at 60 Harvey Street, in partnership with Avondale United Church. The shelter operates during the winter months from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and receives additional support from Ontario's Homelessness Prevention Program.

Anyone needing emergency shelter should register (in person) at The Inn in Woodstock at 4:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. at Out of the Cold in Tillsonburg. Access to the day space in Woodstock is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 22 Wilson Street.

Comment

“We are grateful to Oxford County for supporting our emergency shelter services, which provide care for the most vulnerable members of our community. However, we still require ongoing support from the community and private funding to maintain our daytime programs and services to help people get back on their feet and achieve self-sufficiency.

   Tim Dukes, Executive Director, Operation Sharing

“The Inn is a crucial resource for residents, providing essential shelter and support services to those in need. We are dedicated to ensuring these vital resources remain accessible. Together, we are working to provide immediate relief for those experiencing homelessness while pursuing long-term solutions that foster housing stability for all.”

   Marcus Ryan, Warden, Oxford County

"Operation Sharing offers immediate relief to our unhoused population. While we continue to work on long-term solutions to address critical housing needs, this partnership ensures that Oxford County residents in need have a warm, dry, and safe place to sleep each night."

   Rebecca Smith, Interim Director, Human Services, Oxford County

About Operation Sharing 

Operation Sharing is a non-profit organization that provides services to the homeless community through a donation-based homeless shelter. Its mission is to help those in need by providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals who are experiencing homelessness. The shelter provides a range of services, including meals, clothing, hygiene items, and access to medical care. Operation Sharing is able to carry out its work through donations of money, food, clothing, and other items. Volunteers are also needed to help with various tasks, such as serving meals, sorting items, and assisting with fundraising events. For more information, visit www.operationsharing.ca.

About Old St. Paul’s Anglican Church 

Located at 723 Dundas Street in the City of Woodstock, Old St. Paul’s is celebrating its 190^th anniversary in June of this year, offering outreach ministries and, over the past two decades, focusing efforts on assisting the homeless, hosting Oxford County’s first homeless shelter.

Old St. Paul’s church at 723 Dundas Street in Woodstock is an early example of the Gothic Revival style in Ontario church architecture. The exterior of the building and select elements of the interior, as well as the scenic character of the property, are protected by an Ontario Heritage Trust conservation easement (1986) and is also designated by the City of Woodstock under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (Bylaw 5256-76). For more information on Old St. Paul’s activities, visit https://oldstpauls.com/outreach/.

About Oxford County 

Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 135,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” As a partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County’s Strategic Plan commits to Promoting community vitality, Enhancing environmental sustainability, and Fostering progressive government. Oxford County is situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, with an agricultural industry that supports innovation, sustainability and a diversified local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The Oxford County Administration Building is located in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca, follow us on social media, or download our Facts and Stats to learn more.