What will become of the Welcome In Drop-In Centre? That’s what’s being discussed behind the scenes, explains executive director Gail Hoekstra, as the board of directors ponder how to use the Gordon Street facility in the long term.
“I'll have more answers for you in May,” she told GuephToday via email. “Our board is taking this time to re-envision how our physical space at 23 Gordon can best meet the needs of our community members.”
The centre is currently being used to offer overnight emergency shelter on a nightly first-come, first-served basis, with three to four staff offering support to individuals. People staying at the shelter are offered a place to sleep, food and a shower.
“There are always community members that are homeless that are not interested in going to a 24/7 shelter space so this space targets this population,” Hoekstra said. “This low barrier shelter compliments the 24/7 Loyola House Shelter that we also provide.”
The overnight shelter will continue to operate at the Gordon Street centre until the end of April and potentially longer, she noted.
Daytime drop-in services came to a halt in April, as a result of physical distancing and other requirements associated with the pandemic.
“Our staff continued to support the daytime ‘drop-in’ function in partnership with Royal City Mission serving meals but over the last few months have moved those resources to ... Loyola House shelter,” Hoekstra said. “Discussions about making the transition to Royal City's space had already begun pre-COVID because they had recently renovated, including a new kitchen, and expressed interest in opening to daytime traffic.”
Staff from the Welcome In Drop-In Centre continue to have a presence at Royal City Mission, she added, in order to connect with individuals experiencing homelessness in an effort to focus on their housing needs.
“We are in regular contact with Sister Christine, who founded the drop-in and pivoted over the years to respond to the deepest need,” Hoekstra added. “Today, we are in agreement that the deepest need in our community is housing.”
Welcome In Drop-In Centre is behind plans to convert the Parkview Motel on Woolwich Street for permanent supportive housing. Those plans continue to move through the approval and purchase processes.