As work continues to build Hamilton’s outdoor shelter, here’s who will live there and how it will be run

Good Shepherd, a social service provider in Hamilton, is gearing up to manage a new outdoor shelter site that will cater to people living in encampments, couples, and those with pets. This initiative is a response to the growing need for shelters that accommodate individuals in crisis situations without separating them from their loved ones or pets.

Katherine Kalinowski, Good Shepherd’s chief operating officer, emphasized the importance of allowing couples and adult family members to stay together during difficult times. She mentioned that traditional emergency shelters typically do not permit pets or allow couples to share living spaces, which can be incredibly challenging for people facing homelessness.

The outdoor shelter site will feature pre-fabricated tiny homes and larger common areas, providing temporary housing for up to 80 individuals. Good Shepherd will be responsible for managing operations and providing support services to residents, while the City of Hamilton oversees the physical site near Barton Street W. and Caroline Street N.

The decision to create this outdoor shelter site follows advocacy efforts from various groups in Hamilton, with similar projects already in place in other Ontario cities like Kitchener-Waterloo and Kingston. The model of tiny shelter communities has been praised for offering a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional shelters, as well as providing a safer environment for individuals living on the streets.

The project is estimated to cost around $7 million, covering setup costs and operational expenses for a year. The City of Hamilton is also increasing support for individuals experiencing homelessness by opening more indoor shelter beds and exploring alternative solutions to address the immediate needs of the unhoused population.

Good Shepherd is committed to creating a sense of community at the outdoor shelter site, offering essential amenities like a kitchen, washrooms, and laundry facilities. Plans are in place to include recreation spaces and an outdoor dining area to promote a balanced and supportive living environment for residents.

City outreach workers will collaborate with Good Shepherd to identify potential residents for the shelter site, ensuring that those in need are connected to the appropriate services. While drugs are not permitted on the site, individuals will not be banned solely for drug use, as the focus is on promoting safety, health, and mutual support among residents.

Despite concerns raised by some community members regarding safety and security, Good Shepherd is committed to addressing any issues and ensuring that residents feel supported and respected. The goal of the outdoor shelter site is to provide individuals with a safe space to stabilize, receive support, and ultimately transition to more permanent housing solutions.

Overall, the new outdoor shelter site in Hamilton symbolizes a collaborative effort to address the complex challenges of homelessness and provide compassionate care for those in need.