A new Walpole Island Warming Shelter is beginning to take shape.
Walpole Island First Nation Council shared a video to its Facebook page last week.
"Woohoo! Construction on the Walpole Island Warming Shelter is underway," read the Facebook post.
As stated in the video, the facility is a low-barrier shelter that provides a safe resting space for people who are experiencing homelessness. The shelter will also connect people with wellness and addiction programs, counselling and mental health support.
"During peak occupancy times … during the months of January and February, there could be up to 21 people inside of the building," said Project Coordinator Ramsey Kicknosway in the video.
The shelter will have an open-concept floor plan. Kicknosway said women will be on one side of the shelter and men will be on the opposite side with security in place in the middle of the room.
"This structure will give dignity to the members of our community," said Kicknosway.
The warming shelter program is currently housed in the arena's community hall section. It's unclear when the new site is expected to be completed.
At the end of the video, Harvest Hands and United Way were thanked for their contributions to the new facility.
The Sarnia-Lambton United Way announced $30,000 in funding for the warming shelter in 2021.
Blackburn Media reached out to Walpole Island staff for an interview but did not receive a response.