Temporary winter shelters launch residents on path to stable housing
It took until summer, but London’s temporary winter shelter expects to close next week with every resident offered permanent housing.
On Tuesday, the Community and Protective Services Committee at city hall was told that all 25 people staying in renovated construction trailers at the corner of York and Colborne will be offered housing with supports.
“Currently, the WISH To Be Home organization is in the process of finalizing agreements which will allow them to make offers of ‘housing with supports’ to the tenants at the temporary York Street shelter,” explained Kevin Dickins, Deputy City Manager of Social and Health Development.
The winter shelter, and a second that closed in the spring on Elizabeth Street, were offered as temporary space for people living in tents.
The low-barrier housing model places fewer requirements on residents than traditional shelters.
Dan Turner lived in the temporary shelter for several weeks before eventually securing housing with supports.
“It’s really helping me out. I’m actually working as a volunteer now and hopefully it will lead to some full time employment,” added Turner.
WISH To Be Home’s Sarah Campbell called the low barrier shelter a “made in London solution” that started many residents on a positive path towards housing.
Campbell encouraged politicians to continue providing low-barrier options for people who are unable to stay in traditional shelters.
“Our residents wanted it to be stated very clearly that the low barrier access, and the form of shelter provided, was really important to them as it related to accessibility and their ability to join.”
Civic administration will be issuing a Request For Proposals (RFP) later this year for the provision of more low-barrier housing.
Development of the RFP will begin by engaging community stakeholders in the upcoming weeks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Lack of detention space could force CBSA to release detainees, internal memo warns
The Canada Border Security Agency is scrambling to find space to hold high-risk detainees that are set to be transferred from provincial jails in June.
BREAKING Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.
BREAKING Police make arrests in grandparent scam that defrauded victims out of $739K
An interprovincial investigation into an 'emergency grandparents scam' that targeted seniors across Canada has led to the arrest of 14 suspects, Ontario Provincial Police say.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
B.C. child killer's lawyer walks out of review hearing
The lawyer representing child-killer Allan Schoenborn walked out of his client's annual review hearing Wednesday – abruptly ending proceedings marked by tense exchanges and several outbursts.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Calgary man charged with manslaughter in death of toddler
Calgary police say Winston Campbell, 45, has been charged in the death of a two-year-old girl in 2022.
'Wild, wild west.' Families say organs of deceased Alabama inmates have been removed without their consent
The state Department of Corrections and the University of Alabama at Birmingham face disturbing allegations from the families of five inmates whose organs were removed and reportedly kept without consent, according to a series of lawsuits.