Two weeks after residents first began moving into London’s new micro-shelter village, city officials say the site is slowly filling up and early lessons are already being learned.
The 60-unit site on Cheese Factory Road was built to give people experiencing homelessness a safer, private place to stay while they work toward more permanent housing. City staff say the move-in process is happening gradually to make sure supports are in place and any issues are handled quickly.
Why This Matters
Homelessness remains a growing concern in London, with shelters often operating at or above capacity. The micro-shelter village is one of the city’s newest efforts to provide immediate, safer housing options. Because it is fully funded by municipal tax dollars, the project has drawn both support and criticism from the community.
The initiative was launched under direction from Mayor Josh Morgan using strong mayor powers to speed up the timeline. The City of London says construction began in late fall and wrapped up in roughly two and a half months.
Chris Green, who is overseeing the project for the city, says the second week has been focused on stabilizing operations.
“We’re taking a careful approach,” Green said. “We want to make sure the people moving in have the supports they need and that the site is running smoothly.”
So far, residents are moving in gradually rather than all at once. City officials say that allows staff to address concerns as they come up.
What the Site Offers
Each resident has a small private cabin, along with access to shared washrooms, showers, laundry facilities and common areas. Staff are on site to provide support and help connect residents to health care, housing services and other community resources.
While the shelters are not permanent housing, city officials describe them as a step up from sleeping outdoors or in emergency shelters.
Community Reaction
The project has sparked mixed reactions. Some nearby residents have raised concerns about safety and cost. Others say it is a necessary step to address homelessness more urgently.
Sarah Campbell, executive director of Arcade Street Mission, says from her perspective, the need is clear.
“Whatever people think about the location or the idea itself, the reality is that people now have a warm, safe space they didn’t have before,” said Sarah Campbell.
Arcade Street Mission helps provide meals and support to people staying at the site. Campbell says the early feedback from residents has been positive, with many expressing relief at having privacy and stability.
The Cost and the Bigger Picture
The total cost of the project is approximately $7 million, funded by the municipality. That includes building the site, infrastructure, staffing and ongoing operations.
City officials stress that the micro-shelters are not a long-term solution to homelessness but part of a broader plan that includes supportive housing and prevention programs.
What Happens Next
As the project moves further into its second week, the focus remains on steady move-ins, resolving early challenges and building trust with the surrounding community.
Officials say success will be measured not just by how many cabins are filled, but by how many residents are eventually able to move on to stable, permanent housing.
For now, the small cabins represent something simple but significant: a door that locks, a bed out of the cold, and a first step toward something more permanent.
