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“What really surprised me is how many people have stepped up,” said Ms. Bailey, who’s been irked by the recent media spotlight and would rather see that attention directed towards her volunteers and donors.

“I don’t really see what the big deal is. There’s people who do more that no one knows about.”

But on Sunday, Truro Mayor Bill Mills applauded the woman, claiming his town “could use a dozen more Audrey Baileys.”

They’re just people like you and I who are just down on their luck



While the need for a daytime shelter during the winter months has been discussed for several years, Mr. Mills said he has urged community groups to create a plan that city council would “be obligated to consider.”

Until then, Ms. Bailey said she’s hoping to register her newfound centre as a non-profit or charity. And while she has used her own money to finance the $450 monthly rent — a discounted rate provided by a “supportive” landlord — Ms. Bailey said donations should help subsidize, if not fully cover the cost.

Over the weekend, the centre saw an average of eight to 12 visitors — some of whom had their own homes, but “no support.” The facility is frequently staffed with a mandatory two volunteers and a downtown police station is two minutes away in case of any incidents, Ms. Bailey said.

Data on the Truro homeless population is sparse, the town’s mayor confirmed, but he estimated that no more than a dozen people frequent the overnight shelter at the local church. While larger city centres see more need for homeless support systems, volunteers at the centre said more support in smaller areas, like Truro, would mean the homeless could stay in familiar areas and have a better chance at “getting back on their feet.”

“They’re just people like you and I who are just down on their luck,” Ms. Bailey said. “Crappy stuff happened in their life and they ended up in this situation.”

National Post