- Location: Kam River Heritage Park, Thunder Bay
- Proposal by: Thunder Bay City Council
- Objective: Provide safer housing, health supports, and 24/7 care for the unhoused population
The proposal suggests transforming the site into a Temporary Shelter Village, a project aimed at creating a safer alternative to unmanaged encampments for people experiencing homelessness in Thunder Bay. The village would offer a range of amenities and services, including heated, secure units, shared facilities, and on-site healthcare, housing navigation, and social services. These features are designed to support residents in stabilizing and moving toward more permanent housing solutions. The Enhanced Encampment Response: A Human Rights-Based Community Action Plan, a key component of the proposal, emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to address homelessness and promote dignity and respect for all individuals.
Key Features of the Temporary Shelter Village
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Heated, Secure Units | Individual units with 24/7 power and secure locks to ensure resident safety |
| Shared Amenities | Shared facilities including washrooms, showers, laundry, and more |
| On-Site Healthcare | Access to medical services and health support for residents |
| Housing Navigation | Assistance with finding and maintaining permanent housing solutions |
| Social Services | Access to support services and resources to aid in resident stability and success |
The proposal aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan, which emphasizes the importance of reconciliation, housing, and community design.
The City’s Enhanced Encampment Response Plan
The City’s Enhanced Encampment Response: A Human Rights-Based Community Action Plan aims to reduce Indigenous homelessness by 50% by 2027. The plan prioritizes a proactive approach to addressing homelessness, focusing on dignity and respect for all individuals. The proposed shelter village would provide a safer alternative to unmanaged encampments, reducing public health and safety concerns. By offering a range of amenities and services, the village would support residents in stabilizing and moving toward more permanent housing solutions.
Partnership with TBDSSAB and Shelter House
The City has reached out to District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) and Shelter House Thunder Bay to explore potential partnership opportunities for the proposed shelter village. TBDSSAB, which manages community housing and homelessness prevention systems, faces challenges with safety and maintenance issues in some of its properties. In response, the organization has initiated several measures, including building condition assessments and affordable housing projects. Shelter House Thunder Bay, with its 62-bed emergency shelter, has extensive experience in providing barrier-free services to men, women, and youth. Their programs include emergency shelter, meal programs, and harm reduction services.
Operational Capacity and Expertise
The City acknowledges that managing a Temporary Shelter Village requires specialized personnel and protocols. To address these needs, the City is exploring partnerships with experienced organizations like Shelter House Thunder Bay or The Salvation Army’s Journey to Life Centre. These agencies have established infrastructures, trained personnel, and a history of providing comprehensive services to individuals experiencing homelessness, making them strong candidates for managing the proposed shelter village.
Recommendation
Given the specialized nature of operating a shelter village, the City may consider partnering with experienced organizations to ensure the success of the project. This approach would leverage the expertise and resources of partner organizations to provide comprehensive services to residents. By working together, the City, TBDSSAB, Shelter House Thunder Bay, and other stakeholders can create a safe and supportive environment for individuals experiencing homelessness in Thunder Bay.
A Safe and Supportive Environment
The Temporary Shelter Village, when operational, would provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals experiencing homelessness. The village’s focus on dignity, respect, and comprehensive services would promote resident stability and success, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and inclusive community. The City’s proposal for a Temporary Shelter Village at Kam River Heritage Park represents a proactive approach to addressing homelessness in Thunder Bay. By prioritizing the needs of the unhoused population, the City is working toward a more compassionate and effective solution to this pressing issue.
Conclusion
The City of Thunder Bay is on the cusp of creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals experiencing homelessness. The proposed Temporary Shelter Village, when operational, would provide a much-needed alternative to unmanaged encampments, reducing public health and safety concerns and promoting resident stability and success. By partnering with experienced organizations and leveraging their expertise, the City can ensure the success of this project and create a more inclusive and compassionate community for all.
