Photo Taken: (Evan Frederiksen — XFM News)
London Mayor Josh Morgan said the city is attempting to have additional shelter space operational by Dec. 31, pointing to the need to accommodate those who are homeless as colder months approach.
Morgan is using his authority under strong mayor powers to accelerate approvals, with as many as 60 new micro-shelter units added throughout the city.
Photo Taken By: (City of London)
Sarah Campbell, executive director at Ark Aid Street Mission, said a move like this would be nothing but positive. “I’m actually very proud of our mayor. I think he’s made a bold move to utilize those strong mayor powers to expedite the process,” Campbell said. “This is not going to cure the issue, but it’s certainly an effort in the right direction.”
Campbell indicated the shelters would provide needed capacity. “Things that we have available are also full, and so this is an expansion of space,” she added.
City officials anticipate the temporary units will help relieve some pressure on currently existing shelters, but acknowledge that longer-term solutions will be necessary.
