Kingbridge opens temporary shelter for homeless York Region residents

Individuals will be able to self-isolate before moving safely into temporary or permanent housing, all helping to stop the spread of COVID-19

Newmarkettoday.ca
May 15, 2020

The Regional Municipality of York is partnering with Kingbridge Conference Centre and Hotel, located in the Township of King, and The Salvation Army York Housing and Support Services to provide a temporary transitional shelter for residents experiencing homelessness.

The temporary transitional shelter will provide short-term support for vulnerable residents who do not have a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. Individuals will be able to self-isolate in order to move safely into temporary or permanent housing, all helping to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The shelter opened earlier today.

“Housing is a fundamental need. Strengthening the homelessness and housing stability system continues to be a priority for York Regional Council,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “This temporary transitional shelter will help protect the health and well-being of our most vulnerable residents by providing them with a space to self-isolate.”

The shelter will also provide a level of assurance to landlords and housing providers that those who have completed their stay have been able to self-isolate for up to 14 days and are not symptomatic. This will ultimately help those experiencing homelessness to obtain more stable housing.

“I continue to be impressed with the outpouring of support of our local businesses to help all of our communities during this global pandemic,” said King Township Mayor Steve Pellegrini. “The Kingbridge Conference Centre and Hotel is giving back to the community by opening up their campus, and this partnership demonstrates how great things can be achieved when we all work together.”

Supports and services to residents experiencing homelessness at the transitional shelter will be provided by The Salvation Army York Housing and Support Services. The Salvation Army has the expertise and experience in providing emergency housing in York Region at both Belinda’s Place and the Sutton Youth Shelter. These services include case management and individualized housing plans as well as income and mental health supports, counselling, family reunification and referrals to other programs.

Individuals are admitted to the transitional shelter through a referral and only after they have passed screening for COVID-19. Coordination of each referral is completed by York Region.

This shelter is another way York Region is working to support some of our most vulnerable residents during this pandemic. Last month, York Region opened a self-isolation shelter where individuals experiencing homelessness with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 can self-isolate.

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or is at risk of becoming homeless, please call Access York 1-877-464-9675 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or visit york.ca/emergencyhousing for a list of providers who can help.

For more information on COVID-19 in York Region please visit york.ca/COVID19.