London, Ont. winter response to homelessness plan approved by council, several factors unknown

Councillors voted unanimously to approve the plan, which will provide 100 short- and long-term beds for those experiencing homelessness in the City of London.

The City is moving forward with a revised version of London’s winter response to homelessness plan, but with several factors still unknown.

During Tuesday night’s council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to approve the plan which will provide 100 short and long-term beds for those experiencing homelessness in the City of London.

The revised plan will cost just over $1.32 million, with all of the costs being covered by the Federal Reaching Home Program and the Provincial Social Services Relief Funding.

However, there will be several changes to locations from what was initially proposed, namely the removal of Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction & Mental Health Services’ stabilization space.

The space would have provided up to 10 temporary beds for people experiencing homelessness, giving them access to clinical experts and mental health supports.

“Due to the nature of the Stabilization Space program, leadership at CMHA TVAMHS determined that the building at 371 Hamilton Road was not appropriate to provide the care individuals accessing it would need and deserve,” said a statement from CMHA to Global News.

A spokesperson for the CMHA TVAMHA said they will continue to support individuals struggling with homelessness in London with their own existing programs.

“We believe a Stabilization Space requires a site that can offer individuals an opportunity to rest and recover from an incident, should that be through a shower, peace and quiet, privacy, or connection with trained specialists.”