The Compassionate Committee for the Homeless in North Bay

The man had two plastic bags at his side, no doubt holding all that he owned. It is a spiritual calling.

The Compassionate Committee for the homeless of North Bay is a conduit between existing supports services and organizations that address the immediate needs of the near homeless and homeless, and the various church parishes and congregations. Compassionate Committee for the Homeless in North Bay

By: Leah Pierce, Chairperson

During an Executive meeting of the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption Cat

holic Women’s League of Canada held in late October 2020, I shared a story of seeing a homeless person sleeping in a doorway of a downtown business. The Holy Spirit visited the women in the meeting and filled them with compassion and a call to action. Fatefully, a few days later the local media reported the findings of the Everyone Counts survey conducted in March which confirmed what we already knew, homelessness was on the rise in North Bay; and the fact that in the past 2 years it has risen 62% made it a crisis. Five members of the Executive decided it was time to reach out to other churches in the community to form a Compassionate Committee for the Homeless in North Bay. This committee would include at least (1) representative from each church located in the North Bay downtown and beyond. Fast forward to March 2021, the Compassionate Committee (what we call ourselves) has met twice, and our numbers have grown to seventeen volunteers including members from other CWL Councils in North Bay. It is evident that each committee member is passionate about addressing homelessness in North Bay. As a committee, we researched what services the churches already offer, asked existing support services and organizations what gaps they feel need filling to address the immediate needs of the homeless, established a year-long strategic plan based on the identified needs (i.e. blankets in the winter, tents in the summer), and educated the various church parishes/congregations as to the needs of the homeless through the Good Samaritan Corner in each of the churches’ bulletins, and encouraged them to support existing services and organizations through donations of clothing etc., monies and/or volunteering. Ultimately, the goal is to find permanent housing for the 293 individuals that were counted as homeless in March 2020. We understand that to accomplish this goal we need to research existing successful models that address homelessness such as Built for Zero Canada and the Suswin Village Project developed from the Suswin Navigator Support Program, provided by the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre. As well, to seek social justice, we will engage with community leadership. For instance, we have invited the chair of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board to address the long-term needs of the homeless in North Bay, explain what we have found out through our research, and outline what models we think work best to address the homelessness crisis in North Bay. Please keep the members of the Compassionate Committee in your prayers!

08/31/2026

🗳️ Meet the candidates. Ask your questions. Get informed.

The North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Cogeco, invites the community to the 2026 Candidates Meet & Greet featuring candidates for Mayor and City Council.

This is your opportunity to meet candidates one-on-one, ask questions about the issues that matter to you and learn more about their priorities for North Bay.

📅 Tuesday, October 13, 2026
⏰ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
📍 The Grande Event Centre | 192 Main Street East, North Bay

Open to the public.

Your community. Your questions. Your candidates. 🗳️

08/01/2026

Look at a new month as an opportunity to be compassionate.

07/31/2026

07/05/2026

PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT:
Significant Increase in Drug Overdoses in North Bay

The North Bay Police Service (NBPS) is reporting a significant increase in suspected drug overdoses this evening. Early indications suggest that the unregulated drug supply may be contaminated.

We urge community members, service providers, friends, and families to share this message and check in on those who may be at risk.

If you use drugs:
• Do not use alone.
• Carry naloxone and ensure you know how to use it.
• Start with a small test dose.
• Know your condition and tolerance.
• Call 911 immediately in an emergency.

Signs of an overdose or drug poisoning may include:
• Slow, irregular, or no breathing
• Blue or gray lips and fingernails
• Unresponsiveness
• Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
• Cold or clammy skin
• Pinpoint pupils
• Seizures or severe confusion

If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately. Stay with the person until help arrives and administer naloxone if available. In Ontario, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for those seeking emergency help during an overdose.

While the exact cause has not yet been confirmed, this increase represents a serious concern about potentially toxic substances in the unregulated drug supply.

Naloxone kits are available free of charge at many local pharmacies and through community health services. For more information on naloxone kits and where to get them, please call a local pharmacy or visit the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit:
https://www.myhealthunit.ca/en/health-topics/naloxone-general-public.aspx

This matter is under active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact NBPS at 705-497-5555 and press five (5) to speak with an officer.

07/05/2026

Here is the July Events calendar!

07/01/2026

Have a blessed, safe, happy, and healthy Canada Day from members of The Compassionate Committee for the Homeless in North Bay

06/29/2026

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎 Sue Miller, Marcelle Beaulieu, Kenny Drysdale

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community,

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The Compassionate Committee for the Homeless in North Bay

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