(Credit: Ark Aid) Picture of the outside of Ark Aid building.
In a 12-3 vote on July 23rd, the London Council approved providing $1.8 million to Ark Aid to allow them to keep providing their services until December 31st.
Ark Aid is an organization that offers services to homeless people in London at 696 Dundas St. in Old East Village. The original plan for the location was to fund them for the winter only, but with no sign of relief for the homeless population, the city council has decided to keep it funded until the end of the year.
The three dissenting votes were Ward 14’s Steven Hillier, Ward 4’s Susan Stevenson, and Ward 8’s Steve Lehman. Stevenson said there are already too many services in Old East London, and they are crowding out businesses.
“Those same problems that were faced by those Richmond Row businesses last winter are being faced by the ones in Old East Village now. It is unsustainable for the businesses and for the residents.”
She goes on to say taxpayers want to see cuts and not spending.
Mayor Josh Morgan says while this is required, it is not sustainable.
“We require all levels of government to come together to tackle these,” said Morgan. “I support the current motion, but I echo the cautions that have been put out there that we need support from others to help manage the situation here.”
Councilor Samuel Trosow spoke to the bill as well, supporting it fully.
“The difference is they’re going to be hungry. The difference is they’re not going to have the benefit of the day-to-day services that Ark Aid provides, which, in my opinion, helps stabilize the area.”
These are the services provided by Ark Aid.
- 24/7 Assessment and Referral Services
- 40 rotational drop-in spaces
- 30 resting spaces for temporary overnight stays
- Stabilization transitional beds
- 60 beds supporting individuals unable to access shelter spaces
