The new shelter, based in Welland, will house up to 60 homeless adults. Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
Last week, Niagara Regional Council approved $2.8 million to help build a new temporary emergency shelter in Welland. According to the Region, this new site will expand overall adult shelter spaces and also increase services available to those in need in the southern Niagara region.
“We are pleased to approve the funds needed to open another temporary emergency shelter in Niagara,” said Regional Chair Jim Bradley. “This shelter will provide crucial support to those in need by offering relief access to essential services.”
“Thank you to staff and our project partners for their swift actions and invaluable contributions, which have been instrumental in making this project possible.”
The funding will go toward purchasing trailers that will be located at 851 Ontario Road in Welland. Anywhere from 50 to 60 adults will be able to be sheltered at this location at any one time.
The Region plans to hold information sessions for neighbours to ask questions of staff or express their concerns.
The announcement was made in tandem with the City of Welland. Niagara Regional Housing, which is a regional organization run by a Board of Directors, played a role in this project coming together as well.
Cathy Cousins, the Region’s Director of Homelessness Services and Community Engagement, explained the cost of renting the site and how the dynamics will work between Welland and the Region in its operations.
“The City of Welland is leasing the property to Niagara Regional Housing for $2 per year,” said Cousins. “Niagara Regional Housing is responsible for the capital component, while Niagara Region will be responsible for the operations at the shelter, through a contract with the Hope Centre.”
The Hope Centre is based in Welland and offers a wide range of services, including supporting individuals and families in poverty with mental health, additions, food insecurity and housing instability. The Hope Centre is a registered charity.
The capital funding itself includes $1 million from the Region’s budget to pay for the modular trailers and $1.8 million to service them, prepare the site and purchase furniture. Council has also proved $250,000 for start-up costs, including the onboarding of staff, as part of an effort to get the shelter up and running as soon as possible.
Going forward, the Region expects the operation of the shelter to cost about $1 million per year, including costs for utilities, staffing, food, property taxes and other supplies.
The Region says it will monitor future funding opportunities to help defray costs on the provincial or federal government.
Jay Goldberg is the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. He previously served as a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
