Hamilton’s Good Shepherd Centres pitches rebuilding men’s emergency shelter

The Good Shepherd Centres in Hamilton say they’re planning major new developments to help some of the 2,000 people who are homeless in the city.

One man who’s struggling day-to-day on the streets, told CHCH News that they can’t come fast enough.

Ronald Frederick Robertson is a long-time Hamiltonian who’s spending his days running into traffic trying to raise a few bucks with one question.

“Why am I waiting, after eight and a half-years, because I’m a single male with no dependents, still on a waiting list for city housing?,” asked Robertson. “What’s going on?”

Robertson wants to know why he’s still homeless, saying he sleeps in the park, friends’ homes, anywhere he can find a place, but not his own home.

“You’re on the list, you’re on the waiting list,” said Robertson?

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The Good Shepherd Centres is proposing a new project that could help people like Robertson: rebuilding its Men’s Emergency Shelter on Mary Street as a ten-storey residence, with 156 units and support to help homeless people make the transition to permanent housing.

“The goal is that we’ll be assisting people in moving along the housing continuum, not staying stuck in chronic homelessness, but rather giving tailored supports and a stable place to call home that will allow them to thrive,” said Good Shepherd Chief Operating Officer Katherine Kalinowski.

They say the project could cost about $80 million, hoping governments will help pay for that and it could be built within a couple of years.

“Our focus is on meeting immediate urgent needs for people who are in really dangerous situations, not having safe accommodation, or relying exclusively on shelters,” said Kalinowski. “If we don’t build housing or put the appropriate supports in place, we can’t resolve this crisis.”

They’re also proposing further developments.

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The Good Shepherd says the former Cathedral Boys School on Main Street East could eventually be rebuilt as a complex with more than 200 units for older adults.

Men from the shelter may be moved there when the construction starts.

Agency staff also say they’re aware of the kind of neighbourhood anxiety that developed when the Salvation Army was planning a move to Gage Ave, until it was rejected by the city.

“I know that people who live adjacent to emergency shelters have fears and concerns,” said Kalinowski. “Our commitment is to being a good neighbour, to being very mindful and to consult with people and listen to people, and to drive real solutions for our community.”

While Robertson says there’s been no answer to his question of why he can’t get housing, and looking for handouts in traffic doesn’t earn him much, he says he’s holding on until he can get a place to live.

“I’ve been out here for an hour and a half, and that’s what I have,” said Robertson referring to $3 in his hands. “As long as I survive it, it sort of gives you hope.”

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