On Monday, city council committed to funding the first year of a plan to create 1,000 new shelter beds over three years. “We have the money, what we need is the will to open those spaces,” said Cressy, who challenged councillors to “do the right thing” and support shelter expansion, even at the risk of generating pushback from community members. The almost at capacity emergency shelter system held about 5,850 people, including 1,596 in motel beds. Interfaith coalition spokesperson Rafi Aaron said the 23 signatories on a statement in support of Davenport site represented the largest group of faith leaders to back an emergency shelter in the city. “I’ve also never seen a new shelter that was not eventually wholly embraced by the local neighbourhood as well,” he said.

Source: thestar February 16, 2018 22:07 UTC