London City Council Advances Health and Homelessness Initiatives with New Supportive Housing and Enc
London City Council Advances Health and Homelessness Initiatives with New Supportive Housing and Encampment Response Plans
The London Chamber of Commerce is encouraged by the significant process of London City Council in addressing health and homelessness through its Whole of Community System Response. Two major milestones have been reached: the endorsement of the Community Encampment Response Plan and the approval of the next steps for a new highly supportive housing project.The Community Encampment Response Plan, grounded in a human rights-based approach, aims to support individuals in encampments by providing transitional outreach and transformational case-management. Safety protocols for encampments will be implemented to ensure wellness for both the encampment residents and the surrounding community. Updates reflecting guideline amendments on proximity to sensitive areas will be circulated.
Additionally, Council has approved a new highly supportive housing project at 46 Elmwood Place. This project will convert a former long-term care home into 50 supportive housing units, initiated by the Developing for Change partnership. Construction is expected to begin this summer, with completion targeted for 2025.
Kristen Duever, COO of the London Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, "The London Chamber of Commerce is proud to be part of the Whole Community Response. These projects demonstrate our collective commitment to providing essential support and housing for our most vulnerable community members while also being sensitive to the needs of local businesses and consumers.”
These milestones are part of the broader goal to establish 600 highly supportive housing units in London over the next three years, with 93 units already established. The Community Encampment Response Plan and the supportive housing project exemplify the collaborative effort required to address the city’s homelessness crisis.
