The Shepherds of Good Hope in downtown Ottawa says it has envisioned a new plan to transform its emergency shelter into a supportive housing facility.
The shelter at the corner of Murray Street and King Edward Avenue houses up to 270 people, including overflow beds, on its busiest nights. In a news release on Thursday, the organization said many of its clients face barriers to housing and some remain at the shelter for years at a time.
The Shepherds of Good Hope said it announced its vision at a meeting with the Lowertown Community Association on Wednesday.
“The organization envisions building bachelor units on the second and third floors of its building. The first floor would be redesigned and purpose-built for the important medical and social services that are delivered there. It would have enhanced health supports to serve both individuals who are diverted by emergency services as well as the residents living above,” the news release said.
A spokesperson for the Shepherds said this is just a vision of a plan right now, but the organization believes it’s important to share its intentions early to keep the community informed.
CEO Stephen Bartolo said in the news release that the way to support the most marginalized members of our community needs to change.
“Shepherds is committed to shifting our approach away from managing homelessness to one of prevention and permanent solutions. We are excited to embark on the planning process with building experts and partner agencies to create something that will fill a gap in Ottawa’s housing continuum,” he said.