File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / Kuzmaphoto.File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / Kuzmaphoto.
London

City unveils $2.3M plan to protect homeless from the cold

With COVID-19 restrictions making it harder to protect London's homeless, city hall is recommending a $2.3 million action plan that will help keep the vulnerable population indoors throughout the winter.

In a report expected to be debated by members of council this week, city administration recommends establishing more daytime resting spaces, implementing a breakfast program, and making more warm spaces available for individuals and families experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

"The response aims to meet individuals’ basic needs, ensure life-saving measures are in place, increase connectivity and to provide a solution to assist our most vulnerable Londoners to get out of the cold," city officials said in the report, adding that the right level of support at the right time will decrease the use of emergency services.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a reduced capacity at emergency shelters and in programs serving the homeless, city officials said.  According to the report, it is urgent that the "Winter Response Program" be implemented rapidly in December 2020 through to the end of April 2021.

There are currently 200 shelter spaces, 122 hotel rooms and 15 resting spaces available. However, to meet current needs, the report recommends opening 60 additional overnight spaces, up to 40 resting spaces, and an extra 10 hotel rooms to support existing homeless outreach teams.

City hall also plans to open two "day spaces" at city-owned buildings to provide a warm space for individuals to get out of the cold and access basic needs. The two locations will be located at the Hamilton Road Seniors Centre (525 Hamilton Rd.) and Dundas Field House (177-179 Dundas St,).

Two additional "day spaces" at T-Block (652 Elizabeth St.) and a privately-owned parking lot in the core area will also serve as overnight resting spaces for individuals and families.

All four locations are expected to have a capacity of 30 people and city staff have been in contact with the Middlesex-London Health Unit to address any concerns related to COVID-19.

The financial impact of the program is expected to cost the city $2,306,375 over the course of five months. City staff have recommended utilizing funds from the city's approved operating budget to finance the program. While funding is available for December 2021, administration is prepared to utilize a portion of the surplus from this year's property taxes to pay for the program in the new year, should the 2021 operating budget not cover the costs.

The report is set to go before the city's Community and Protective Services Committee on Tuesday.

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