Article content The need for emergency housing in Grey County soared in 2020 by 160 per cent over the previous year. COVID-19 was a factor in that increase, Anne Marie Shaw, Grey County’s housing director, told Owen Sound city council during a presentation Monday night that included an overview of her department’s work. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser. Homeless problem grew in Grey due to COVID in 2020 Back to video There were 395 emergency short-term stays in motels, hotels and other private accommodations, involving an average seven-day stay — up from 153 in 2019. At the same time, emergency housing costs increased 300 per cent due to COVID-19.