City's 50-Unit Modular Bridge Housing Community For the Homeless Expected to Operate In a Few Weeks
/The City of Peterborough’s 50-unit modular bridge housing community at the Rehill parking lot is in its final steps and is expected to move in people in a few weeks at a private media tour held Thursday morning.
Each unit is equipped with electricity, air conditioning and a heating system. A bed, night table, cutlery, dresser, towels, mini-fridge and waste receptacles are also in each unit. Most of the items are donated by the Elizabeth Fry Society. There are also five washrooms next to the module housing. They are fitted with a toilet, sink and shower.
Amenities and activities are also available just outside the module housing. The Wolfe Street building will act as a community space. Laundry and wheelchair washrooms are located nearby but off the site and available to those in the modular system.
The City has already chosen 50 people to move into the units from the tent encampment off Wolfe Street. It is based on a list of those who have been marginalized for several years, according to Councillor Keith Riel.
“We are going to give people a new lease on life,” he said. “Someone who has lived in a precarious position for a couple of years in a tent is second to none.”
Riel added that overflow accommodations are at the former Trinity United Church.
Those staying in modules are capped at around 18-24 months of being in the modules though occupancy varies from person to person. Transitional housing programs are available for those ready to move out.
Final construction pieces and staffing need to be finalized and secured before the modules are occupied, according to Jocelyn Blazey, the City’s homelessness programming manager.
“There are some key markers that we have identified both as the City and with Elizabeth Fry as they are providing support and security to make sure that the site is ready from a programming perspective,” she explained. “We wanted it to be a smooth transition for folks and we want staff and clients to feel supported so there are a few key things that we still need to make sure to put in place.”
Two support staff and two security guards provided by Elizebeth Fry will be at the housing facilities when they become operable. The Society also aims to have welcome baskets ready for the individuals moving in. They are asking the public to help with donations to help fill them which can be dropped off on-site.
Items include:
Hats/toques
Mittens
Tim Hortons Gift Cards ($10 value)
Food and drink
Snacks
Fruit
Protein shakes/bars
Water/Juice/Pop
