Shaping the program at 731 Runnymede

CLC recommendations                                         Implementation plan

1. Shelter design

• Community space that could be shared

• Integration of shelter into streetscape/ neighbourhood

• Variety of room sizes with a mix of single, double and quad rooms to provide flexibility
• Adequate spaces for service providers
• Pet friendly areas P Computer room P Quiet room
• TV rooms and lounge area
• Gym/exercise spaces Community kitchen
• Physically accessible shelter
• WiFi
• Client access to safe storage space for valuables

▪  Preliminary design includes a community space of just under 1,000 sq ft. The room will be self-con- tained with washrooms and a small kitchenette.

▪  The exterior of the building will be painted to blend into the local streetscape and some land- scaping will be done to beautify the exterior.

▪  Preliminary design includes a variety of room sizes, including single, double and quad rooms. Some rooms can accommodate pets. Common spaces include a lounge, computers, and dining room, which can be divided into programming or exercise space. There are several quiet coun- selling offices and a wellness centre which can act as space for visiting health or social service agencies.

▪  Preliminary design also includes dedicated out- door space at the rear of the building for those who smoke and people with pets.

▪  Shelter will be fully accessible and AODA compliant.

▪  Clients will have access to WiFi and locked per- sonal storage space for their belongings.

2. Shelter access & case management

• Support for SSHA’s case management practices

Focus on newcomers

▪  Open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Clients will not be asked to leave the shelter during the day.

▪  Upon admission, clients are assigned to case/ housing worker.

▪  Casework to conduct initial assessment and develop case plan with focus on securing hous- ing.

▪  Connecting clients with housing, income sup- ports, identification, health/mental health, addic- tions and other supports are imbedded into the case management approach.

▪  The shelter will be open to anyone needing shelter services, including newcomers and walk- ins, as well as referrals from Central Intake, other shelters, and community agencies.

3. Number of clients

• No consensus on the number of beds; a range should be 30-100
• Consensus on increasing number of beds in response to extreme weather
• Open service at lower capacity so that this could build as appropriate services are made available to support clients

4. Housing supports

• Identified housing supports as a priority
• Life skills training and other pre-housing supports to be included in program plan

▪  Services will be delivered using a Housing First case management approach.

▪  Outreach and follow up supports will be made avail- able to clients even when they leave the facility.

5. Mental health & addiction supports

• Mental health and addictions services are key

6. Income and employment supports

• Income supports are essential to help clients find housing

▪  Case management to assist clients in accessing all income supports available to them

▪  Community Economic Reintegration Team will support clients

▪  Toronto Youth Partnerships and Employment counsellors will engage youth to age of 29 to find employment and skill development

7. Recreation supports

8. Community safety and wellbeing

• Activate underpass and improve lighting
• Conduct safety audit
• Identify Programs and services to support neighbourhood wellbeing

▪  Transportation Services provided funding for mural and lighting improvements in the under- pass.

▪  Safety audit conducted.

▪  Rockcliffe/Smythe local planning table identified priorities and activities being planned through Toronto Strong Neighbourhood Strategy.

▪  Funding approved for Gaffney Park improvements.