‘It was really special to see’: First residents move in to micro-shelter

The city officially opened homeless micro-shelters to its first occupants on Monday night, CTV London's Bryan Bicknell visited the site and caught up with their

London’s newest community is now open for business, or in this case, open for residents.

The city’s micro-shelter project in southeast London at Max Brose Drive and Cheese Factory Road began welcoming its first clients Monday night.

For those on the front lines of getting people off the street and into their own transitional homes, it’s been a meaningful experience.

“It was really special,” said Chris Green, project manager for Micro-Modular Shelters. “So, the first group was a young woman and her dog. The dog jumped right on the bed, snuggled itself up on the pillows. It was really special to see. I think they’re really excited about all the amenities we have for them here as well, and they just have a nice place to sleep,” he explained.

The micro-shelter will house up to 70 people, including 10 couples, in 60 heated and air-conditioned units, or small cabins. The site includes washrooms, shower, laundry facilities, along with dining and common spaces.

Located in an industrial area, local companies have been watching with interest as the community takes shape.

David Martin, plant manager at Means Transform Products, says the city has kept his company in the loop from the start of the process last fall, and the company has, in turn, kept its employees informed.

“There has been some questions. We told them that we’ve worked with the city. We’re obviously aware that there may be some that get lost. Some might need some help. And everyone’s prepared to chip in. Even if we need to do a drive, you know for bedding, whatever the needs. And we also have 24-hour maintenance support here if there’s an emergency, we’ve offered our electricians and millwrights to go help at night,” said Martin.

But while there is support among industry for the micro-shelter project, there is also no small amount of apprehension. Some companies are already bracing for a hit to their bottom line, they say, because of their new neighbours.

Matthew Lake, who owns London Drive Systems, a manufacturing business, says he’s already been informed by the company’s insurance provider that rates are going up because of proximity to the micro-shelter.

“The biggest thing he brought up was about them walking around during the evening hours, coming down if it was rainy or cold, checking any vehicle that might be open if they could crawl into to get out of the elements, just for even a short period of time, checking for money, of course, if there’s anything left,” said Lake

He was quick to add that, on a personal level, he supports the project, and he’ll wait to see how it works out before casting judgement.

In the meantime, the micro-shelter is expected to be a full capacity by mid-February. Chris Green says it’s just a matter of going out into encampments and locating the new residents.

“The first step is finding them, letting them know that their spot is ready, and then assisting them in getting out here,” said Green.