Good News! City of Cornwall unveils Winter Housing Plan

The City of Cornwall has leased the former Parisien Manor to provide housing residents living in encampments and/or on the homelessness waitlist (By-Name List) during the winter months.

“The establishment of our winter plan initiative at Parisien Manor represents months of behind-the-scenes work focused on the establishment of a safe and secure location for the most vulnerable in our community”, said Mayor Justin Towndale. “This facility will ensure that those who are in need will get the supports that they need and provide a transition to more permanent housing, including at our Massey Place location.”

The City of Cornwall has been diligently working on securing a location for temporary housing for several months now. Once Parisien Manor was identified as the location, the City of Cornwall had to work with the owners to ensure compliance with building life safety regulations and for the City to develop its operational plan for the housing initiative.

“This initiative is a result of the weeks of detailed planning by both the City of Cornwall Housing Staff and the United Way,” said Mellissa Morgan, General Manager of Human Services and Long-Term Care.  “This collaboration is a good example of how a community can work together to help solve complex housing issues within our City.”

Steps have already been taken to relocate some of the residents of the homeless encampments to permanent housing.  Residents still living in encampments and residents who joined the By-Name List will be prioritized for room space at the temporary winter site.

Within the Parisien Manor, several local agencies will be providing a wide range of services to residents, including addiction services, mental health supports, help with personal needs and permanent housing solutions.  The facility would provide up to 20 single rooms with a bathroom and shower.

The lease signed by the City of Cornwall is for approximately seven months. During this time, Housing Services staff will work to secure permanent housing for residents housed through the Stepping Stone Project.

Security for residents and employees is also paramount. As such, the property will be monitored by security officers and security cameras.

The City of Cornwall asks that residents refrain from bringing donations to the site. We urge citizens to make donations to the United Way of SDG.

Since the summer, Housing Services staff have been working closely on the evolving reality of homelessness to provide support to its residents.

The Housing Services department ensures coordinated response and housing fairness of the City’s homelessness population through a homelessness enumeration (By-Name List).

To refer someone to the By-Name list, please contact the Housing Office at 613-933-6282. For more information, visit: http://www.Cornwall.ca/enumeration.