City council have a rare afternoon meeting today (Oct. 20) to review a management report and potentially discuss homelessness solutions.
The report entitled ‘Not One More Night’ Winter Warming Solutions, has been prepared for council by Michelle Melady, Research and Program Analyst, John Ritz, Supervisor of Homelessness and Housing Stability and Jeff Wilson, Manager of Housing.
Among the recommendations are expanding hours at the city’s Connection Centre at Paul’s Anglican Church, from noon to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. until 7 a.m., seven-days-per-week, for six months in the colder seasons.
The report stated that the centre would provide a warm, safe space for those experiencing homelessness or temporary respite for the precariously housed. It would be an alternative to a shelter with no beds or meals and resting space with tables and refreshments.
The connection centre is funded by United-Way Perth Huron and the City of Stratford.
The report includes details on added expenses for the city. The staff recommendation is that city council accept the report for information purposes.
The meeting starts at 2 p.m. at council chambers.
