FAQs
What is the difference between unsheltered homelessness, emergency shelters and transitional/supportive housing?
Unsheltered or absolute homelessness is the type of homelessness that is generally thought of when talking about homelessness. It is a narrow concept that includes individuals that are living in public or private spaces without consent, as well as those living in places not fit for permanent human habitation (Statistics Canada).
Emergency sheltered homelessness includes individuals that are currently living in shelters that are specifically designed to temporarily accommodate people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This includes homeless shelters, shelters designed to house those fleeing domestic violence or emergency shelters for those impacted by natural disasters (Statistics Canada).
Transitional supportive housing provides a physical environment that is specifically designed to be safe, secure, enabling, and home-like, with support services such as social services, life skill supports, housekeeping, and social and recreational activities, to maximize residents’ independence, privacy, and dignity (CMHC, 2018). Persons in transitional housing pay rent and live there full time. Transitional housing is intended to support people day-to-day as they work towards independent living.
When is the shelter closing? Will the timeline change/be extended?
The City of Kingston is working toward closing Adelaide Street Shelter in the first half of 2026. The exact timing is connected to the ability to open alternate shelter beds at two new shelter locations in the City. A major step toward the closure of the site will be the opening of new shelter services at 924 Sydenham Rd., following which the number of beds at 38 Cowdy will be reduced while the second new shelter is completed and opened.
What are the mandates for the agencies?
All shelters are operated by not-for-profit housing providers who each have their own mandates and missions. The primary mandate is to provide temporary emergency shelter accommodations to individuals experiencing homelessness with the goal of assisting them to find stable long-term housing.
Are there restrictions on using services at the shelter?
Many shelters in Kingston operate as low-barrier facilities, meaning they aim to reduce obstacles that may prevent someone from accessing shelter services. While health and safety rules are always in place, the focus is on creating an inclusive, supportive environment where people can get help without unnecessary conditions.
Currently, Adelaide Shelter’s barrier is that they do not allow pets – service animals are accepted. Other shelters in Kingston do offer safe and supportive housing facilities for guests and their pets. Drug use is not permitted within shelters – the use of drugs remains an illegal activity and is only supported at safe consumption sites, such as the one that operates out of the ICH between the hours of 9 a.m.- 9 p.m., 7 days a week. The co-located shelter operations at that site operate between 8 p.m.- 9 a.m.
What happens if the number of occupants increases in greater numbers?
The shelter can accommodate up to 55 individuals per night. The City funds other shelter operators, and individuals can be referred to other locations if Adelaide Street reaches capacity. The shelter operators work closely to ensure individuals can access available beds within the shelter system. The City tracks shelter utilizations across all City funded shelter sites and works with operators to ensure that all shelters are being used effectively. This can include reviewing barriers and user restrictions to ensure people seeking shelter can be supported at an appropriate shelter site.
Can bathrooms be made more accessible in the shelter?
Adelaide Shelter offers accessible washrooms for all shelter users.
Can the entrance on Cherry Street be closed off completely?
Yes – with the new site upgrades, access to Adelaide Street Shelter via Cherry St was closed off with fencing on July 2nd. The only entry point to the shelter is now off Adelaide St.
What are we doing about the coordinated drop off at the shelter?
Street Outreach provides transportation for individuals in the community, and they normally do their rounds in the morning.
What is the role of security guards?
The role of the security guards is to provide a safe and secure environment, while monitoring the premises and protecting the property and individuals using the shelter. The security team controls and monitors the entry and exits points of the shelter. They are responsible to de-escalate conflict situations, using non-violent crisis intervention techniques. Additionally, they are responsible to report any breaches to the shelter policies or emergencies to Lionhearts Inc. management and/or police as necessary.
How often does clean-up occur? Who do we contact to dispose of paraphernalia and sharps?
The City conducts weekly clean ups of Frontenac Park, and the area around the shelter. If you find a needle, syringe, or other drug paraphernalia in a public place, contact the South East Health Unit by email or call 613-548-5860.
What happens when someone is denied services? How do we inform the shelter about individuals who should be added to the service restriction list?
The City’s homelessness team works closely with all shelter providers to review individuals who have been restricted to any shelter. Restrictions can vary, and each shelter has its own rules and regulations. The shelter determines how an individual is restricted from services, and this is tracked in a database. If you have a concern about an individual using a shelter, please contact Lionhearts Inc, kingston@lionhearts.ca or 613-483-8580. They can then work with the client to determine next steps.
How do we report a noise bylaw violation?
All noise bylaw violations can be reported to Bylaw Enforcement: bylawenforcement@cityofkingston.ca or by phone: 613-546-0000.
If I witness abuse by shelter staff, who should I report it to?
Lionhearts Inc. 613-483-8580 and/or the Kingston Police.
City of Kingston, Homelessness Services: homelessness@cityofkingston.ca or by phone: 613-546-4291 ext.4895.
Who do we contact if someone needs support?
Home Base Housing's Street Outreach team provides support and referrals to homeless individuals. If you know someone in need, call 613-542-6672 ext.130 or email streetoutreach@kingstonhomebase.ca.
If someone is in distress and requires mental health supports, please contact Addictions and Mental Health - KFLA 24/7 Crisis Line at 613-544-4229 or 1-866-616-6005. In case of an emergency, call 911.
Why is police response so long?
The City has been in close communication with Kingston Police. Based on those communications, the City understands that Kingston Police will increase its presence in the area for an undetermined period of time. The City will also increase its presence of by-law enforcement officers in the area to improve compliance with the City's by-laws. The City will coordinate with Kingston Police whenever possible to proactively address issues in this community.
What is the engagement process? Why were there no consultations on day services?
The shelter has provided weekend Day Services since 2024; the program expanded to weekdays in May 2025. There have been two opportunities for near neighbors to provide in person feedback.
What will happen to the site after the shelter closes? What is the building condition to support long-term use?
The City is currently reviewing all future uses of the site and has provided an opportunity for community members to share their feedback at the recent open house. The building condition was reviewed by the City when the site was first purchased, and it is usable in its current condition. However, long-term adaptive reuse would likely require more significant infrastructure improvements. The feasibility of any such improvements would be part of the consideration of any future uses.
Is there a guarantee for emergency shelter spaces in the city?
The City remains committed to addressing homelessness by utilizing best practices and adapting services to meet the changing needs of homeless individuals and families. Data is regularly collected and reviewed to ensure that shelter spaces are adequate to meet the current needs of the community.
How are shelter operations funded?
Shelters are funded in part under the Provincial Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP), which is administered by the City of Kingston, as the Service Manager for the area. Additional funding comes from the annual operating and capital budget of the City of Kingston, as well as Reaching Home, a Government of Canada initiative.