The City of London’s Ark Aid Street Mission has received $687,000 in funding from a city council committee to extend its emergency winter shelter beds. This funding will allow the organization to keep 120 beds open at four locations in the city until the end of July. Originally, the council had allocated $3 million for the cold weather homelessness response, providing beds until May 31. Ark Aid executive director Sarah Campbell expressed her satisfaction with the funding extension, emphasizing the need for a plan to address the over 2000 individuals living on the streets of London year-round.
City staff will be collaborating with Ark Aid to develop a year-round strategy for overnight beds, viewed by Campbell as a “homework assignment.” The organization received $4.2 million for six months, while the cost of services amounts to $6 million. Campbell stated that they were able to reduce costs by 25% while still providing 110 overnight spaces and day services. Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis highlighted the importance of measurable outcomes, noting that Ark Aid has provided metrics demonstrating the impact of their work in reconnecting individuals with family members and employment. He emphasized the importance of life-changing interventions over short-term drop-in services.
Despite the unanimous vote in favor of funding Ark Aid, some council members raised concerns about the concentration of homeless services in Old East Village, which Ward 4 Coun. Susan Stevenson represents. Stevenson expressed worries about the lack of available services for homeless individuals in the area and stressed the need for immediate action rather than vague promises of future plans. The one-time funding request and committee recommendation will be presented at the next Council meeting on May 14, along with a proposal by Ward 6 Coun. Sam Trosow to provide a $130,000 funding extension for Safe Space London, which was referred to the May 28 SPPC meeting.
The funding approved for Ark Aid Street Mission reflects a core aspect of the city’s cold weather homelessness response, ensuring that vulnerable individuals have access to shelter and services during the winter months. With the extension of funds until July, Ark Aid will have the resources to continue supporting those experiencing homelessness in London. The collaborative effort between the organization and city staff to develop a year-round strategy for overnight beds demonstrates a commitment to addressing the ongoing issue of homelessness in the community and working towards sustainable solutions.
Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis highlighted the importance of focusing on outcomes and measurable impacts when providing funding for homeless services. By emphasizing the need for life-changing interventions and supporting organizations that can demonstrate positive results, the city aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. The concerns raised by some council members regarding the distribution of homeless services in specific areas of the city underscore the need for a comprehensive and equitable approach to addressing homelessness. Moving forward, continued collaboration between city officials, service providers, and community members will be essential in developing effective strategies to support individuals experiencing homelessness in London.
