Hamilton is gearing up to open a unique outdoor shelter designed to support people living in encampments, couples, and individuals with pets. The initiative, led by Good Shepherd, addresses gaps in traditional emergency shelters that often separate couples and prohibit pets.
Katherine Kalinowski, the chief operating officer of Good Shepherd, emphasized the importance of maintaining personal connections during challenging times. “This new shelter will allow people to stay together and support one another in a safe environment,” she told CBC Hamilton.
The shelter, located near Barton Street West and Caroline Street North, will feature pre-fabricated tiny homes and larger shared spaces. It will accommodate up to 80 residents, with the first cabins arriving earlier this week. The City of Hamilton manages the site infrastructure, while Good Shepherd oversees resident care and programming.
Hamilton’s $7 million project, including setup and a year of operations, is part of broader efforts to address homelessness, alongside expanding indoor shelter capacities. The initiative mirrors similar projects in Kitchener-Waterloo and Kingston, which have been praised for offering quicker and cost-effective alternatives to traditional shelters.
Good Shepherd’s outreach team, along with city staff, will identify and invite potential residents to the site. The shelter will provide essentials such as kitchen facilities, washrooms, and laundry rooms, with plans to add recreational areas and outdoor dining spaces. Staff, including harm reduction workers, aim to foster a sense of community and stability for residents.
While drug use is not permitted on-site, Kalinowski clarified that residents won’t be banned solely for drug use. Instead, the program focuses on harm reduction and helping individuals stabilize their lives.
“There’s a deep homelessness crisis in our community, and this shelter adds another layer of support,” Kalinowski said. “The goal is to offer residents a safe space where they can move beyond survival mode and plan for a more secure future.”
Concerns about community safety have been raised, but Kalinowski reassured residents that Good Shepherd will work to address any issues. “The people accessing this program are part of our community, and we’re committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.”
The city aims to have the shelter operational by the end of the month, with electrical work nearing completion. Kalinowski hopes residents can move in quickly to escape the cold and begin rebuilding their lives.
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