Guelph, Ont.- Pursuant to the recommendation of the Joint Social Services and Land Ambulance Committee, comprised of members of City and County Council, Wellington County Council approved a Temporary Accommodation Transition Plan to relocate services to 128 Norfolk Street in Guelph.
In March 2020, the County entered into lease arrangements to provide temporary accommodation to individuals using the shelter system during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Silvercreek Temporary Accommodation Site. The Silvercreek site has the capacity to accommodate 65 individuals at a time.
County staff had planned to phase out the Silvercreek temporary accommodation site in 2024 based on the availability of 112 new transitional and supportive housing spaces that have or are set to open in 2024-25. However, a rise in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in 2023 and continuing into 2024 has resulted in the need to maintain the 65 spaces of temporary accommodation following the end of our lease arrangements.
The 128 Norfolk Street property has comparable amenities with capacity for up to 68 individuals, common areas, office spaces, and a commercial kitchen. It is situated close to the downtown core and within a short walking distance to a variety of social, health, employment, and support services. The County has negotiated a lease agreement with the property owners of 128 Norfolk Street from July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025 and will relocate temporary accommodation services to this new location.
The temporary accommodation programme will have staff onsite 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the current support staffing provided by Stepping Stone will be transferred to the 128 Norfolk Street property. The County, Stepping Stone, and other service partners will continue to collaborate, using a housing-focused approach to assist residents as they work toward permanent housing solutions.
“Our data indicates that there has been a 33% increase in the number of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in the first quarter of 2024,” said Mark Poste, Director of Housing Services. “The Norfolk property will help stabilize 68 spaces for temporary accommodation in much more affordable arrangement.”
Learn more at www.wellington.ca/norfolk
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Media Contact:
Paul Skinner
Interim Director of Housing
T 519.824.7822 x 4690
E paulsk@wellington.ca