homeless: Latest News

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27.04.2021 / 02:00

Heating stations for Montreal homeless population to close

Preparations underway for Cabot Square heating tent to house Montreal homeless Because of the pandemic, shelters are operating at reduced capacity to avoid crowding and some people who are homeless had no place to keep warm. That’s why the tent and other temporary warming stations were set up.“The idea, the concept was that it was more of an in and out,” said James Hughes, president and CEO of the Old Brewery Mission.

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This Halifax woman makes about $50,000 a year – but still can’t find a home

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Proposal seeks to extend Winter Response Program to help more people get housed in London, Ont.

London, Ont., opens 2nd temporary overnight winter shelter Whereas in past years the City’s winter response relied on shelter system and volunteer groups overextending capacity limits, Dickins said this past winter they had to create more spaces in hotel rooms and create up shelter sites due to COVID-19.“We had never used hotels prior to that and the only reason we use hotels this winter was because the shelters were unable to accommodate everybody,” Dickins said.Dickins said through the new model they were able to better connect with unsheltered individuals and build up relations to work towards getting them set up with resources to get permanently housed.“We didn’t have a great deal of turnover in some of the hotels, as you would in a

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COVID-19: Outbreak declared at Brock Mission emergency shelter in Peterborough

COVID-19 outbreak declared at a “congregate living facility” in Peterborough is at the Brock Mission men’s emergency shelter, health officials revealed on Wednesday.According to Peterborough Public Health, a positive case of COVID-19 has been reported at the shelter temporarily located at the annex of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church.

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Coronavirus: Ontario announces over $7M for London, St. Thomas shelters

COVID-19, the province says.On Wednesday, the provincial government announced an additional $255 million across Ontario to address an increase in outbreaks in homeless shelters. Of that, $5,567,913 is allocated for London while $1,525,174 is allocated for St.

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Coronavirus: Ontario to spend $255 million to address COVID-19 outbreaks in homeless shelters

COVID-19 outbreaks in homeless shelters across the province.Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark is expected to make the announcement at a press conference later this morning.The government says communities can use the funding to acquire motel and hotel spaces to support physical distancing, hire more shelter staff, and buy more personal protective equipment.The funds can also be used to purchase cleaning supplies and be added to rent and utility banks to keep people from becoming homeless.

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COVID-19 variant outbreak grows to 29 cases at Toronto shelter

COVID-19 variant.The city says Toronto Public Health declared an outbreak at Maxwell Meighen on Feb. 3.It says Public Health Ontario is sequencing the samples to identify the COVID-19 variant.

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Pacific Coliseum shelter? Why Vancouver’s arenas likely won’t house homeless during COVID-19

is set to house the homeless again starting next month so what are the chances we could we see arenas in Metro Vancouver also serving as emergency shelters during the COVID-19 crisis?Early in the pandemic, David Eby confirmed the Pacific Coliseum was considered as space to temporarily house the most vulnerable – but BC Housing determined it wouldn’t be a good fit.“It was their feeling that it was too far from essential services and critical infrastructure to support people and staying inside,” Eby told Global News.

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Advocates push for priority COVID-19 vaccines for homeless, shelter staff

COVID-19 vaccines given how at risk they are to the virus and how much more likely they are to get severely ill if infected.“We as a society set the moral tone by who we provide supports for and who we prioritize,” says a position statement released Wednesday by two national groups who work with street populations.“It’s imperative that we include the most vulnerable who can benefit most from the protection afforded by COVID vaccination.” ‘A selfless hero’: Calgary health-care aide dies from COVID-19 The groups cite research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal Open that found the homeless in Ontario were 20 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than the general public, 10 times more likely to end up in

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‘Imperative’ COVID-19 vaccines prioritized for homeless, shelter staff: advocates

COVID-19 vaccines given how at risk they are to the virus and how much more likely they are to get severely ill if infected.“We as a society set the moral tone by who we provide supports for and who we prioritize,” says a position statement released Wednesday by two national groups who work with street populations.“It’s imperative that we include the most vulnerable who can benefit most from the protection afforded by COVID vaccination.”The groups cite research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal Open that found the homeless in Ontario were 20 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than the general public, 10 times more likely to end up in intensive care and five times more likely to die within 21 days of a

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‘Community Care Tent’ now pitched in Victoria

Tent fire quickly snuffed in Beacon Hill Park homeless camp in Victoria But it was found to be in violation of the city bylaws and the Beacon Hill Park Trust.Organizers looked to the city for funding help, and was provided $6,500 through its Emergency Social Services Grant.“We’re in a global health pandemic and the people who are living outside need humanitarian aid,” Victoria’s Mayor Lisa Helps said.The idea is modelled on the Build Back Victoria program, that allows businesses to expand patios onto the streets.In this case staff went out and consulted with the applicant, the Red Cedar Café, and were granted a permit for the space.It will remain in place until Mar. 31.

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Fraser Health declares COVID-19 outbreak at Surrey homeless shelter

Coronavirus pandemic prompting more emergency shelter spaces to open in Kelowna Those identified as cases and close contacts have been instructed to self-isolate.[ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ]There have been outbreaks at other homeless shelters in the region, including one at Portal Shelter in Surrey.That outbreak was declared on January 4th.At the time, Fraser Health had said 12 staff and 25 clients at the shelter had tested positive.

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Group hoping to locate homeless man with Down syndrome reported in Coquitlam

Down syndrome reportedly living in the area.Wayne Leslie, CEO of the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation, says little is known about the man or the area he frequents, but that they are concerned about his wellbeing.“Typically, adults with Down syndrome are supported in some shape or fashion, in particular older adults for example are in a group setting,” Leslie said.

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Montrealer creates not-for-profit organization to help city’s homeless during COVID-19

COVID-19 pandemic has made this past year difficult for all Quebecers, but when forced into lockdown back in March, one Notre-Dame-de-Grace (NDG) woman took it upon herself to give back to the homeless community in the best way she knew how.“There was always a need there before, but it has hugely increased since the pandemic,” said Bread and Beyond founder Kirstie Jagoe.What started as something to do with her teenage boys has now become a not-for-profit organization with more than 100 volunteers across the city, providing sandwiches and other goods to seven local shelters.“When I go food shopping and I’m making these sandwiches, I often think, ‘I wonder who will open this package and what is their story?’ Here I am in my warm, comfortable

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Ontario study finds people on homeless spectrum hit hard by COVID-19

A recent study released by ICES looked at the effects of the pandemic during the first wave, focusing on people who were recently homeless. The study found this population was over 20 times more likely to be hospitalized, 10 times more likely to be admitted to the ICU, and five times more likely to die of COVID-19 than the average person.The numbers are a scary reality Dr.

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Montreal homeless advocates call for amnesty when it comes to COVID-19 curfew

Montreal homeless shelters fear impact of another COVID-19 lockdown “Let’s say there’s about 4,000 homeless people, but the Hôtel-Dieu can only house 300, or if the Royal Victoria Hospital is only opening 100 beds fairly soon, or if there’s just one hotel that has space for about 30 people — that’s still not enough,” she said.Since the first wave of the pandemic, several overnight shelters, designated hotels and warming centres have opened in Montreal to provide beds for those in need.But advocates say there’s still not space for everyone.

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Montreal homeless shelters ask for help as COVID-19 cases surge

about staffing shortages as COVID-19 cases surge among its community.Resilience Montreal shelter has been closed since Dec.

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Pandemic’s effect on homelessness could take years to play out. Experts call for action

COVID-19 on the number of homeless people in Canada won’t be felt for three to five years, giving policy-makers a chance to prevent the pandemic from putting people on the street.One reason for the delay is that people in need will first max out government supports before exhausting their savings.They then would fall behind on payments like rent, leading to evictions.The author of the report says it wouldn’t surprise him to see homeless counts rise by 10 to 15 per cent in some cities depending on what happens in the labour market.

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City staff pitch winter response for Londoners experiencing homelessness

COVID-19 pandemic.It will be debated by London’s community and protective services committee (CPSC) on Tuesday before it can be approved by full city council on Dec. 8.

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Main Street Project prepping for Winnipeg winter amid COVID-19 pandemic

Main Street Project serves more than 200 socially-distanced turkey dinners Ziprick said the community support has been encouraging, especially given the impact of the pandemic on the city and province as a whole.“Every day there’s something that warms our hearts. We still have a lot of volunteers that are helping out our essential services.

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Nova Scotia creates protections for renters, more beds for homeless amid COVID-19

COVID-19 that would keep them safe from rent increases and renovictions while the province works on longer-term solutions.According to Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Chuck Porter, the immediate protections ordered under the Emergency Management Act are as follows: Affordable housing advocate says Nova Scotia premier’s comments on rent control ‘bizarre’ The province said in a statement that it is also creating the Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission.

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Homeless people coping with pandemic showcase art, poetry

A book which gives an insight into how some people who are homeless have coped during the pandemic is being launched today.

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Edmonton’s Boyle Street Community Services dishes up hundreds of turkey dinners

Golden Knights fans make another donation to Boyle Street, Edmontonians return the favour “We are doing more of a takeaway meal this year, so we are having all the meal in a to-go container in a bag,” said Sarah Dowling of Boyle Street Community Services.“We can take it outside where we are in the fresh air and be able to hand it to the folks who are coming for the meal.”About 400 people devoured 60 turkeys, 17 cases of potatoes and 100 litres of gravy.Every year, NAIT’s culinary program volunteers make the food.

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City of Toronto to set up plastic barriers between beds at homeless centre for winter

COVID-19.It’s part of Toronto’s winter plan for the homeless, which will add 560 new beds in shelters, hotels and supportive housing from November to April.The city says the 100 beds will be at a 24-hour respite centre on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition.

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Agreement reached to end litigation over Hamilton’s homeless encampments

City of Hamilton and community advocates have reached an agreement to end litigation over local homeless encampments.The City says both parties have agreed to appear together before the Superior Court to confirm the lifting of the July 30 injunction and withdrawal of the application which challenged City bylaws.Both parties say they also agree that encampments, which grew in size at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, are a symptom of a housing crisis that is national in scope, and that tents are not a solution to the housing challenges many experience.

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Homelessness must not become part of 'the new normal' - Sr Stanislaus

Covid-19 can be a turning point in the fight against homelessness according to the founder of the homeless charity Focus Ireland.

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Old Royal Victoria Hospital will be converted into a resource for Montreal’s homeless population

Montreal homeless advocates sound alarm as makeshift camps continue to appear around city The initiative comes as people are pitching tents in a green space in the borough of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve because they say they have no where else to live. Now they say the city is forcing them to leave the space on Notre-Dame East by the end of August.“We’re supposed to be pushed out here the 31st,” said urban camper Guylain Levasseur.He says the city is encouraging the group of 30 to 40 people to move to a shelter, but Levasseur argues shelters aren’t for everyone.“I know they want to offer beds in the shelter but some people don’t (want to) feel stacked like a sardine, they want their freedom,” he said.

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30 bed homeless shelter officially open for youth in London

Coronavirus: Youth Opportunities Unlimited brings back training programs on downtown patio The shelter is pet friendly, with each resident getting their own room and six of 30 the rooms being disability accessible.YOU said many of these youth are victims themselves, with 76 per cent experiencing at least two forms of abuse in their lives.Speaking at the opening, a representative with YOU said youth who are homeless usually deal with some level of trauma, so it was important they all have their own safe space at the shelter.Other features of the shelter include private shared washrooms, an outdoor area for pets to play, and an area where residents can grow their own vegetables.

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TV reporter ‘aggressively accosted’ by four men: Hamilton police

Hamilton police are investigating after a local television reporter was allegedly accosted by four men while filming the homeless encampment near FirstOntario Centre.Police say the CHCH reporter was gathering information for a news story on the so-called tent city in the area of York Boulevard and Park Street North around 10:45 a.m. Saturday when she was “aggressively accosted” by four male suspects.CHCH Reporter Accosted https://t.co/3hGxf2cSZ3— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) August 22, 2020The reporter, who has not been identified, told police that the men demanded that she hand over the SD card from her camera.Police say the woman, who was not hurt, complied and gave the suspects the memory card.

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Montreal homeless advocates sound alarm as makeshift camps continue to appear around city

Montreal races to create more shelters for homeless people amid coronavirus crisis Jacques says he lost his apartment last February after seven years because his landlord wanted to hike his rent by $300.“Since then it’s been very difficult to find an apartment,” he explained.Housing advocates say other residents at the camp are in the same boat — a worrying sign of the times, they say, adding that the fact that they’re making an appearance at all is disquieting.Matthew Pearce, president and CEO of the Old Brewery Mission, thinks some of the primary reasons these camps are popping up is the pandemic. He explained that to observe proper distancing protocols, shelters like the Old Brewery had to reduce the number of beds.“We have normally

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Northern Saskatchewan homeless shelter program back after temporary closure

coronavirus pandemic, a homeless shelter is back offering mental health and addiction services in La Ronge, Sask.Ron Woytowich, executive director of the Kikinahk Friendship Centre, said a combination of factors forced the temporary closure at the end of June. AIDS Saskatoon changes name, sets opening date for safe consumption site “There was a lot of reasons.

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More help needed for Saskatoon homeless before second COVID-19 wave: advocate

coronavirus occurs.Colleen Christopherson-Cote, of the Saskatoon Inter-Agency Response to COVID-19, said the provincial reopening strategy has largely ignored groups that work with homeless people and those suffering from substance abuse issues.She also said the Inter-Agency Response does have a budget to keep everyone safe, which includes providing things like bottled water, food and personal protection equipment (PPE) for clients and staff for the next year, but it’s $237,000 short.

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Coronavirus: Brock Mission, overflow shelter bed program in Peterborough reopening next week

temporarily relocated to the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre in March in the city’s west end when the coronavirus pandemic was declared.At the time, the city said the downtown facilities at 120 Murray St. and the Murray St.

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White Buffalo Youth Lodge opens emergency shelter for teens, young adults amid pandemic

homelessness in Saskatoon now have a place to stay, spurred on by the coronavirus pandemic.The White Buffalo Youth Lodge has opened an emergency shelter, with services now available to anyone between the ages of 16 and 25.“That’s our most, I would say, vulnerable population that are out and about in the middle of the night that are couch surfing that are really in the need of some safe environments,” said tribal chief Mark Arcand.

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Victoria businesses say government is ‘potentially ruining’ them by buying their building to house homeless

B.C. buys Victoria hotel, as deadline to house homeless in 2 camps looms There have been 20 jobs at the restaurant impacted and Leir’s other businesses could be forced to close due to the overall financial losses.“Our opportunity to operate a viable business was taken away from us the minute the government became our landlords and it’s not fair that my staff and I should be made to suffer as a result of this decision,” Leir said.“If the government doesn’t fix this and address our losses, we run the real risk of having to close our other locations, which will put another 35 local jobs and the families that depend on them at risk.”[ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ]B.C.

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Coronavirus: Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre role as emergency shelter ending soon

coronavirus pandemic.In late March, the city announced the west-end facility would be used as a temporary shelter since the downtown Brock Mission and its overflow shelter bed program at Murray Street were both unable to provide adequate space for physical distancing.Cameron House and the YES Shelter for Youth and Families could also access the centre as a secondary shelter space.Peterborough police also increased its presence in the west end in connection with an increase in complaints, many connected to the wellness centre.

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Durham prepares for massive backlog of evictions following coronavirus pandemic

coronavirus pandemic, experts say they do not apply to every situation and that has led to more homelessness.In addition, agencies in the region are preparing for a large backlog of evictions once they’re allowed by the province.The issue is present in Durham’s northern communities, where there has been an increase in people turning to social service aids.“Wherever they were staying, their cousins, their friends, they wanted them out so then we had this population that was hidden, were sheltered, but are now unsheltered,” said Mona Emond, executive director of North House in Uxbridge. Eviction delayed by COVID-19 pandemic leads to trashed condo in Vernon: property manager Emond describes these individuals as the hidden homeless.

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How the Lighthouse in Saskatoon is helping keep the vulnerable safe during COVID-19

Saskatoon’s homeless being housed in hotel, but only until they test negative for coronavirus Walking into the shelter, there are around 60 mats spread out across the floor in several rooms. Keeping sleeping people six feet apart means places like the dining hall are now makeshift bedrooms.“It was a very big communal space, everybody kind of talking to one another,” explained Miriah Krochak, the organization’s food services manager.“That part of life at the Lighthouse has kind of gone for right now.”Food is now serviced with plastic cutlery and Styrofoam containers.

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More coronavirus testing requested for Montreal’s homeless

[ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ]According to the Welcome Hall Mission, 714 homeless Montrealers have been tested and 21 have contracted the disease.Coronavirus: Montreal announces measures to protect city’s homeless amid pandemicStrong physical distancing measures are enforced at Montreal’s two major shelters, the Old Brewery Mission and Welcome Hall. As well, both are limiting the number of people they’ll accept inside their shelters and the body temperatures are taken of everyone who is admitted.“If there’s any that have a temperature in the problem zone then we will send them to be tested.

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City of London allowing temporary homeless encampments during coronavirus pandemic

coronavirus pandemic made its impact in mid-March, the City of London paused its ban to allow homeless encampments.“We’ve always had an unsheltered population here in the city,” said Craig Cooper, the homeless prevention manager with the city.“The numbers compared to last year from this year are fairly similar.

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YMCA and City of London partner to provide downtown hygiene facilities

The City of London and the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario are offering a “safe, clean and welcoming environment for those in need of supplies and temporary relief from the elements.”

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City of Kingston extends Belle Park encampment to July 7 amid COVID-19

The City of Kingston has extended its move-out date for Belle Park campers to July 7 amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

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City of Kawartha Lakes needs to find homes for more than 40 households

The City of Kawartha Lakes is looking for help from landlords during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond with a new rapid re-housing program.

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Calgary homeless sleeping outdoors over fears of catching COVID 19

Gordon Kelter has something to fear more than not having a bed to sleep in at night — catching COVID-19.

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Kingston Ont., homeless encampment grows to around 40 people: resident

As temperatures begin to rise in eastern Ontario, many people are leaving their homes and enjoying the outdoors.

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Oshawa’s Mission United supporting hundreds of individuals each week during coronavirus pandemic

Despite the region opening an additional shelter to help Durham’s homeless population, there are still many people living on the streets.

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Port authority seeks to oust homeless campers from Vancouver’s CRAB Park

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is seeking a court order to remove a group of homeless people from a newly erected tent city on its land near CRAB Park.

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Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal closes after COVID-19 outbreak

The Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal was forced to close its doors on May 14 after half of the shelter’s staff members and some residents contracted COVID-19.

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United States	Cases: 46 252 513 Deaths: 750 423 Recovered: 0
India	Cases: 34 321 025 Deaths: 459 652 Recovered: 0
Brazil	Cases: 21 835 785 Deaths: 608 235 Recovered: 0
United Kingdom	Cases: 9 215 683 Deaths: 141 607 Recovered: 0
Russia	Cases: 8 494 589 Deaths: 237 619 Recovered: 0