Agencies urge city for continued security at outreach spaces facing escalating violence

A number of agencies offering services to those experiencing homelessness in London, Ont., are urging city council to continue funding security at two key downtown outreach and resting spaces. 

In July, council approved $200,000 out of a request for $374,000 to go toward security at both London Cares locations. 

A report submitted to Tuesday's Community and Protective Services Committee meeting includes letters from the London Health Sciences Centre, Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services, Unity Project and other partners saying London Cares has since experienced a significant increase in violence toward staff members, and requires the remainder of the requested funds.  

"This level of tension has created unsafe working conditions for staff," reads the letter from Thames Valley. "And without the support of security, they will be forced to stop providing services." 

London Cares has two brick-and-mortar locations at 602 Queens Ave. and 448 Horton St. According to the letters, staff have experienced escalating violence from participants and neighbours in the community including pepper spray, bear mace, physical assaults and threats with weapons. 

The partners warn that stopping the services would be detrimental to the individuals who depend on them. From Jan. 16 to Aug. 30, 2023, the London Cares Resting Space has supported 752 individuals, and the service at Queens Ave. has supported 810. About 25 per cent of those individuals are restricted from other services in the community, according to London Cares.

Response plan expected to ease safety concerns

After approving the initial funding in the summer, council assigned city staff to compile a report by collecting feedback from sources, including community engagement sessions and London police to determine what more needs to be done to improve safety.

"That is what the city is willing to commit at this point, the remainder of that $174,000 for the needs of security in the short term, while we work with our community to set up hubs and do the work of the whole of community response," said Craig Cooper, director of housing stability services at the City of London. 

"We recognize that we're in a crisis and there's been some acute challenges with that site that have necessitated security." 

The report comes as the city nears implementing its plan for a series of neighbourhood service hubs intended to provide life-saving supports and pathways to housing.

The first three to five hubs are anticipated to be set up by the end of the year. 

"I think as we continue to evolve the system…and some of the desperation in the community gets reduced, we'll see some of those challenges that were resulting in safety [concerns] to those folks that are providing services diminish and then the need for security and certain areas not be required," said Cooper. 

The recommendation for full funding goes to full council for final approval on Sept. 26.