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.
What is the Integrated Care Hub (661 Montreal Street) and what services are provided at the ICH that are unique to that location?
The ICH provides low-barrier and wrap-around services to community members with immediate needs such as safety, food, rest and longer-term needs such as addiction and mental health services. The two main services are:
Consumption and Treatment Services (safe injection site) provides supervised consumption services for people using drugs and is operated by Kingston Community Health Centres with funding from the provincial government. This service is regulated by the federal government (Health Canada) with specific locational requirements. Health Canada reviews and approves Consumption and Treatment Services locations. This service is available 12 hours a day.
The Hub provides drop-in services and shelter for those who need it. People can access showers, washrooms, food, counselling, rest and warm up. Hub services is operated by Addiction & Mental Health Services and funded primarily by the Ministry of Health with a contribution from the City of Kingston. Addiction & Mental Health Services is leasing the 661 Montreal Street property from a private landlord.
Will Consumption and Treatment Services (safe injection sites) be re/located at any new sites/properties?
No - the City is not opening or funding CTS services at any new or existing sites across the city. The Consumption and Treatment Services currently co-located with the Integrated Care Hub at 362 Montreal Street are managed by Kingston Community Health Centres and funded by the provincial government. This service is regulated by the federal government (Health Canada) with specific locational requirements. Health Canada reviews and approves CTS locations often on private lands and through lease agreements. The City of Kingston is not required to accommodate these services within City owned properties.
Will the City consult with the community?
Yes! We look forward to holding public information sessions and to supporting community consultation committees for many of the new emergency housing projects. To learn more about engagement opportunities for each new project please follow the specific project page linked below:
How will the City stop encampments from forming around new shelters?
Overnight sheltering is currently allowed in City Parks from 1 hour before sunset to 1 hour after sunrise.
As the City opens new Emergency Shelters, it is intentionally selecting sites that are not immediately adjacent to City Parks. Shelter sites are considered private property and camping is not allowed at these locations.
If person's attempt to set up shelter on these locations they will be required to leave.