City of Brantford expands emergency sheltering system for winter 2024-2025

BRANTFORD, ON – Consistent with direction provided by the Mayors’ Housing Partnership Task Force ActionPlan, the City of Brantford has made significant efforts to expedite access to more affordable housing options in Brantford and the County of Brant including, the Compact, Affordable, Sustainable and Efficient (CASE) Home modular build at Stinson and Stirton Ave, the 26 unit modular affordable housing development at 177 Colborne St. West, the Trillium Way housing development now under construction in Paris, and the repurposing of Lucy Marco Place that opened in early October to house another 41 individuals and families on the affordable housing waitlist.

Building on recent housing development initiatives, the City is accelerating affordable housing availability by identifying market opportunities, similar to the strategy used in acquiring Lucy Marco Place. In August, Brantford City Council authorized the purchase of the Fox Ridge Community Care facility at 389 West Street, Brantford, as an investment in both temporary and permanent housing solutions. This property will be developed through a phased approach, prioritizing the greatest community needs along the housing continuum to maximize its potential.

To further enhance the availability of emergency shelter spaces in Brantford and the County of Brant, City staff have been directed to explore the feasibility of establishing an emergency shelter within the County of Brant. While all current emergency sheltering locations are situated in Brantford, residents of the County are supported through the City’s role as the municipal service manager for social services. Recognizing the increasing demand for emergency sheltering, Mayor Kevin Davis has prioritized this initiative to better serve residents experiencing homelessness.

Winter Shelter

While the City has significantly expanded affordable housing options in the last two years, we also recognize the continued need for a dedicated winter shelter plan. To ensure adequate emergency sheltering during the colder months, the City has secured additional accommodations from December 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025. These spaces will provide crucial support to families with children, couples, and other households who may be unable to access existing emergency shelters, including Rosewood House, SOAR Community Services’ Cornerstone House, Nova Vita Women’s Shelter, and the Salvation Army Booth Centre.

Accessing Emergency Shelter Services 

Citizens experiencing homelessness should connect with SOAR Community Services Emergency Shelter Intake for support. SOAR is the first point of contact for diversion to safe, appropriate temporary accommodation or for placement within the emergency sheltering system. Intake services to the emergency sheltering system are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

If you, or someone you know, does not have anywhere to stay and are in immediate need of shelter, please call the Emergency Sheltering Intake Line at 1-888-621-0034 or email housing@soarcs.ca. For people without access to telephone or email, SOAR Community Services offers in-person support for people needing emergency sheltering. In-person services can be received at the Housing Resource Centre at 73 Murray St. from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight) and at 331 Dalhousie Street, Brantford from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Visit www.Brantford.ca/EmergencyShelters to learn more and to find information about other community supports for those experiencing homelessness, including ID Clinics, health and well-being services and housing supports. 

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