Nearly homeless, London man with developmental disability now has temporary home
Shawn Mitchell has come a long way in three weeks.
CTV News London first introduced you to Mitchell last month when he was facing potential long-term homelessness, and was taken in by a friend in mid-May. It wasn’t a permanent solution to Mitchell’s housing situation, but it bought some time.
Mitchell had been living in a group home run by Community Living London, but had left that environment after what he described as “mistakes” he had made, leading to frustration.
Now, with the help of St. Aidan’s Anglican Church and Community Living London, Mitchell has been placed in transitional housing, with a space to himself.
“I like it because it’s better than living on the street, or in a hotel or motel,” Mitchell said.
Shawn Mitchell and Kevin George go on a hike in London, Ont. on June 7, 2023. (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London)“Very happy to say Shawn is no longer homeless,” added Kevin George, reverend at St. Aidan’s. “An incredible blessing.”
George has been heavily involved in finding a permanent housing solution for Mitchell since learning of his story. He had taken issue with Community Living London’s policy which allowed Mitchell to leave their facility in the first place.
“We had to put our differences behind us,” George said. “His dignity is what matters most to all of us.”
Mitchell will get about three hours a day of support from Community Living London staff in his new transitional housing situation, said George.
Mitchell has been embraced by the St. Aidan’s congregation. About 20 members of the church will also help Mitchell out when they can.
While a more permanent housing arrangement is worked on, Mitchell is expressing his gratitude by leading a spiritual Celtic prayer walk through the woods this week for parishioners who have supported him.
“I feel thankful for the church and their congregation, and all the people in the community that helped out,” said Mitchell.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
2 teens charged in Halifax homicide: police
Two teenagers have been charged with second-degree murder in connection to an alleged homicide near the Halifax Shopping Centre earlier this week.
'Deep ignorance': Calls for Manitoba trustee to resign sparked after comments about Indigenous people and reconciliation
A rural Manitoba school trustee is facing calls to resign over comments he made about Indigenous people and residential schools earlier this week.
12-year-old hippo in Japan raised as a male discovered to be a female
When Gen-chan arrived at a zoo in Japan in 2017, no one questioned whether the then-five-year-old hippopotamus was a boy. Seven years later, zoo staff made a surprising discovery: Gen-chan, now 12, was female.
Here's why Harvey Weinstein's New York rape conviction was tossed and what happens next
Here's what you need to know about why movie mogul Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction was thrown out and what happens next.
Legendary hockey broadcaster Bob Cole dies at 90: CBC
Bob Cole, a welcome voice for Canadian hockey fans for a half-century, has died at the age of 90. Cole died Wednesday night in St. John's, N.L., surrounded by his family, his daughter, Megan Cole, told the CBC.
Humanist group threatening to sue Vancouver over council prayers
The B.C. Humanist Association has threatened legal action against the City of Vancouver for allowing prayers at council, following a similar warning issued earlier this month to a smaller community on Vancouver Island.
LHSC performs a Canadian first in robot-assisted direct lateral spine surgery
Spine surgery may never be the same for people with chronic back pain and other physical ailments.