Downtown Mission plans to relocate near new homelessness hub

The executive director of Windsor's Downtown Mission says it plans to move into the same area as the future Homelessness and Housing Help Hub.

Earlier this week, the city announced it would locate the future facility, which will contain 64 supportive housing units, at 700 Wellington Avenue. 

The Mission's executive director Rukshini Ponniah-Goulin says the Mission has been looking to occupy a new location for several years but delayed the decision to choose a spot after the city announced the hub in 2021 — now she says they are seeking a spot near the Wellington Avenue location.

"All of the partners that I think the city is looking to get over there are service providers that would provide services to the individuals who are either at a shelter very close to the hub or living at one of those housing units at the hub," said Ponniah-Goulin.

The cost of a new building would be between $1 million and $3 million, according to Ponniah-Goulin, who adds they would be fundraising and asking for government involvement to help pay. She also says they may look for an existing building to renovate.

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Bob Cameron, executive director of the Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative, is also in favour of the new location but would have liked to have had input into it.

"It's actually closer to where we are now than where it currently is [at Water World], ' said Cameron. "I think the location, regardless of where it lands, the impact it's having with adding the 64 beds takes it to another level than just providing emergency shelter."

Mitchell Jackson lives near the hub's new location on Elm Street. 

"Where else are they gonna go? I mean, we get homeless people walking by here every day. They gotta have a place to live," he said.

Jennifer Durham also on lives near the area of the future hub on Oak Street and says she believes it would be better placed in downtown near "where the supports can be reached".