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
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NEW 'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.