'Unhoused people are part of our community': downtown church soon to open an overnight shelter
Starting Dec. 1, a church in downtown London will begin to operate as an overnight shelter.
Sarah Campbell, the executive director of Ark Aid Street Mission is hoping to see the number of homeless people decline. The organization is working with First-St. Andrew’s United Church to provide a warm place for people to stay.
“We believe that there’s somewhere between 250 and 400 people sleeping on the streets, or in stairwells or on people's couches in the city of London,” said Campbell.
The church’s hall provides enough space for nearly 40 beds and a kitchen, according to Campbell. However, the entire church can accommodate 69 people who require a space to stay for a short while.
The goal is to make sure there is always a place for people to drop in during the cold winter months.
Reverend Joshua Lawrence of First-St. Andrew’s United said, “We know that unhoused persons are part of our community and we also know that people of faith we need to walk the walk, not just use prayers and gestures.”
Lawrence and his family relocated to London from Houston, TX where he was involved in hurricane recovery work.
“We were thrilled that we were going to be a part of a community here that has been committed to outreach since its inception,” said Lawrence.
This year, as part of the city’s winter response to homelessness plan, “we were able to offer 24-hour drop-in space, 12 hours at the YMCA during the day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 12 hours from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. at First-St. Andrew’s,” Lawrence explained.
On Dec. 6 the overnight shelters hours of operation will be from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. In January the shelter's hours will change from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. at First-St. Andrew’s.
These services are being funded with help from the city’s winter response to homelessness plan which includes a variety of drop-in locations and supports systems.
Craig Cooper the director of housing stability services with the city of London said, “We’re never going to push somebody to go somewhere they don’t want to go. We’re going to give opportunities as much as we can and still focus on the solution to homelessness being housing. We recognize that people need some support to get there.”
To help serve those staying overnight, the church is looking for 24 volunteers to help with handing out food and daily operations.
On Friday goodwill industries will have a fundraiser called ‘Outside in’ which invites people to listen to stories from those who have lived on the streets of London.
“This is a great opportunity to educate and to also grow sensitivity,” said Campbell. “We don’t pretend in any way that this is a solution to homelessness but that this is part of the lifesaving measures that we as humans need to be taking action.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING | Danielle Smith's UCP holds onto power in Alberta, CTV News declares
Danielle Smith is still the premier of Alberta, surviving a vigorous campaign and a tight vote Monday against NDP challenger Rachel Notley.

Singh calls for foreign interference rapporteur Johnston to step aside
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is pushing for special rapporteur David Johnston to 'step aside' from his role examining the issue of foreign interference before he embarks on public hearings.
New Democrat MP says she is target of foreign interference by China
New Democrat MP Jenny Kwan said Monday that Canada's spy agency has confirmed her long-held belief she is being targeted by the Chinese government, as the prime minister granted the NDP's wish to allow more party members to review top-secret intelligence.
Golden Knights reach 2nd Stanley Cup Final after Game 6 win over Stars
William Karlsson, William Carrier and Jonathan Marchessault are finally getting another chance in the Stanley Cup Final, after the first one that came so quick for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Caleb Martin helps Heat to 103-84 Game 7 win over Celtics and spot in NBA Finals
Eastern Conference finals Most Valuable Player Jimmy Butler scored 28 points, and Caleb Martin had 26 points and 10 rebounds to help the eighth-seeded Miami Heat beat the Celtics 103-84 in Game 7 on Monday night and advance to the NBA Finals for the second time in four seasons.
Canadian parliamentarians condemn Uganda's recently passed anti-homosexuality law
Canadian political leaders and parliamentarians are denouncing a new law passed in Uganda that imposes harsh penalties, including the death penalty, for certain cases involving homosexuality.
Free prescription drugs could reduce overall health-care costs in Canada: study
Overall health-care costs could be reduced in Canada by providing free prescription drugs to patients, according to a new study.
Northern B.C., Alberta and all of Ontario under 'high' to 'extreme' wildfire risk: What to know
There's a heightened risk of wildfires across the country during what has been one of the earliest fire seasons on record. From British Columbia to Nova Scotia, here's where the risk is highest.
Strategic city planning can mitigate 'urban heat island' effect, make cities cooler in summer: study
New research from Penn State University found certain factors can contribute to reducing what’s known as the 'urban heat island' effect, and that climate knowledge can contribute to better city planning and design.