City officials helping London's homeless through a one-week housing blitz are turning to the public for a few extra resources.
Nearly 290 people facing or at risk of homelessness have flocked to Silverwoods Arena over the past two days for Housing Stability Week. In addition to securing immediate housing for those sleeping rough, the pilot project offers financial supports, health and social services, clothing, and pet supplies.
“So far this week we’ve been able to provide housing to 35 adults and three children through 33 units and have connected many individuals and families with the immediate supports they required,” the city’s manager of homeless prevention Craig Cooper said in a statement. “With winter right around the corner we’re hoping to make a larger dent in our housing waitlist and we’re looking for community and private landlords with affordable housing options available to help us get more individuals the housing they need.”
As city officials search for additional affordable housing options, they are reminding private landlords of a variety of supports that are available to those who rent to vulnerable individuals. Those include direct rent payment through Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program, financial supplements, support for the housed individual, and dispute resolution support.
With just two full days left in the five-day initiative, clothing donations are also urgently needed. Winter coats, winter boots, gloves, hats, scarves, men's clothing sized small, medium, and extra-large, women's extra-large clothing, and sweaters and pants in all sizes are among the most needed items.
Clothing donations can be dropped off at the arena at 50 Sycamore St. between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
London currently has just under 200 people who sleep on the streets.
Housing Stability Week is one of the 69 actions identified in the city's recently approved Core Area Action Plan, which aims to address homelessness while improving the downtown, midtown, and Old East Village.
“Homeless prevention and housing is a complex issue facing all of London and an issue we can’t solve alone,” said Cooper. “We’ve been working together with many community partners and agencies to make as much impact during this week as possible.”
Landlords interested in offering up affordable housing for the pilot project can call Danielle Neilson at 226-926-7192.
