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
Blaine Higgs 'furious' over sexual education presentation
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has shared his anger on social media over a presentation in at least four high schools.
Grayson Murray's parents say the two-time PGA Tour winner died of suicide
Grayson Murray's parents said Sunday their 30-year-old son took his own life, just one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
2 died in plane crash near Squamish, B.C., police confirm
Two people died after a plane went down in a remote area near Squamish, B.C. on Friday, authorities have confirmed.
Kingston, Ont. tenants fed up with lack of action from landlord over broken floor tiles
Joel Felder and Misti Pitcher have been living in their apartment in Kingston, Ont. for over two years, but the past 12 months have been miserable.
Driver, 18, gets $3,000 ticket, 32 demerit points after speeding on Laval boulevard
A young driver received a hefty fine from Laval police after they say he was driving nearly 100 km/h over the posted speed limit.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
At least 15 dead after severe weather carves path of ruin across multiple U.S. states in the South
Powerful storms killed at least 15 people and left a wide trail of destruction Sunday across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.
North Korea informs Japan of a plan to launch military spy satellite
North Korea has told Japan it plans to launch a satellite by early next week, an apparent effort to put its second military spy satellite into orbit.