Initial worries about London’s golf course homeless shelter have not materialized
CTV
Like a golfer making the turn after the ninth hole, this week marks the halfway point for the temporary winter shelter at Fanshawe Golf Course.
Like a golfer making the turn after the ninth hole, this week marks the halfway point for the temporary winter shelter at Fanshawe Golf Course.
The municipal course’s clubhouse was converted into a winter shelter and rapid re-housing program for Londoners who were living in tents or makeshift structures.
Operated by Impact London, construction trailers converted into small bedrooms now face the front of clubhouse which offers common space, bathrooms, and programming until March 1, 2022.
Despite initial apprehension, neighbour Ed Lukas says things have gone smoothly, “I’m aware of them, but they have not affected my lifestyle, or anybody on this street.”
The shelter is housing 27 individuals in 26 rooms, just shy of the 33 person capacity (30 rooms).
“We do see the numbers climbing up every couple of days,” explains Craig Cooper, the city’s Director of Housing Stability. “I expect the site to be full in the next couple days or so.”
The remote location in the northeast corner of the city raised eyebrows when it was announced last fall.
