As the Region of Waterloo gets ready to take over A Better Tent City, a staff report indicates that running the tiny home community could cost nearly $6 million each year.
Additionally, the report states that a one-time investment of $2.5 million will be required to fix up the cabins and site.
In May, it was announced that the volunteer group currently managing A Better Tent City would disband. The region will assume control of operations, which houses about 50 individuals, and The Working Centre will start overseeing the site on July 20.
Jeff Willmer is chair of the board responsible for A Better Tent City. In a statement made in May, he mentioned that the volunteer organization “has faced increasing challenges operating the site, making it unsustainable in its present form. Over the last year, we lost several key volunteers who provided operational leadership.”
Peter Sweeney, commissioner of community services for the region, said in a statement at that time that this transition is essential to prevent shutting down the site.
“The immediate priority is the well-being and housing stability of the current residents at the site.”
‘High Expenses’
A stabilization and transition plan for A Better Tent City will be presented to regional council on Wednesday at 9 a. m. ET.
The region’s report highlights “significant costs associated with the transition.”
The yearly expense needed to cover operation and improvements at the site totals $5.76 million. This includes a $2.9-million agreement with The Working Centre for running A Better Tent City and another $2.8 million allocated for permanent supportive housing options along with three full-time staff members.
An extra $2.5 million is also necessary for one-time costs.
One immediate change involves some cabins where residents stay; according to the report, these require “significant capital repairs and/or replacement.”
WATCH | A Better Tent City held up as example for other communities:
The tiny homes making a massive difference
In Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont., local efforts are tackling chronic homelessness through a community of tiny homes called A Better Tent City, which relies on private donations.
During repairs, some residents may need temporary relocation. Suggestions have also been made for several improvements in shared areas to create a “safer environment for guests and staff.”
The report states changes are needed as this tiny-home site transitions from being community-led with volunteers to adopting more shelter-like operations.
Currently, there are 42 homes accommodating about 50 people at A Better Tent City located on Ardelt Avenue in Kitchener on land jointly owned by both Waterloo Region District School Board and city officials.
Joe Mancini, co-founder of The Working Centre, noted that converting this space into more structured shelter operations means additional funding will be necessary.
“It’s been a functioning project living and working with very few resources. And shifting more towards a shelter model means we’ll have greater resources available to assist people,” he stated.
A man plays guitar outside his cabin in Kitchener’s A Better Tent City initiative aimed at providing housing solutions for those experiencing homelessness (Submitted by Jeff Willmer)
Residents’ Concerns
Nadine Green , living site coordinator & co-founder of A Better Tent City , expressed surprise upon reading this report since she “was never invited to participate in discussions.” p >
“They’re basically going to change how we do things at A Better Tent City. We were created because there were so many institutionalized places & our guys cannot live within shelters,” she stated. p >
“Our guys were hard-to-house , so that’s why A Better Tent City was established specifically for them.” p >
Mancini mentioned he’s heard concerns from residents eager not to lose their spots due new regulations. p >
He clarified that’s not what either region or The Working Centre intends but rather they want “to support those present while ensuring safety.” p >
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