Hamilton shelters brace for impact with cold weather approaching

With the snow and colder weather approaching, shelters around the city of Hamilton are bracing for impact.

Places like the Good Shepherd in Hamilton are confident their services will alleviate some of the pressure, but they believe the tiny shelters being built in the city will not solve the homeless crisis.

The Good Shepherd in Hamilton offers many services to its clients besides shelter, including a system to shop for food, clothing, and, around this time of year, presents to put under the tree.

And some don’t want to be here, but they have no choice. That’s why the Good Shepherd’s shelter and wrap-around services are so important.

The need for assistance is great, but some of the organizations in Hamilton say that while their services will alleviate some of the pressure on the system, the addition of tiny homes is not enough.

Brother Richard MacPhee is the CEO of the Good Shepherd in Hamilton. He’s calling on all levels of government to go beyond tiny shelters and address the root of the issue: you can’t get a job or build relationships without a place to call home.

MacPhee said, “I think the reality of the situation is that we are going to see ongoing challenges with the homeless crisis and affordable housing.”

At the YWCA in Hamilton, they are tackling the unique needs of unhoused women and gender-diverse individuals in the community with a new 20-bed shelter opening tomorrow on McNabb Street.

This new shelter will also connect clients with medical assistance and counseling support. However, they are still looking for donations from the community to enhance their services.

Donations are encouraged, so if anyone wants to help the shelters at the YWCA or Good Shepherd, click here for the YWCA, and here for the Good Shepherd.