An estimated 130 people came out to the open house for the Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters (HATS) on April 1, 2022 at the Anglican cathedral on James North. A model cabin was open, with a bed, mini-fridge and microwave to illustrate what an 8×10 cabin can hold. HATS proposes starting with 10 of these cabins, in a small community, to provide 10 people experiencing homelessness with a stable, warm place of their own, as soon as an appropriate location can be found.
The open house heard powerful speeches, including one by Josh Miller, who found himself on the street after a relationship broke up. He noted that the rules in place at traditional shelters are more of a barrier than a help to those seeking shelter; he criticized the practice of clearing encampments and throwing the belongings of unhoused people into dumpsters; and he said living in a tiny cabin community could give someone a sense of purpose, especially if they could volunteer.
The Venerable David Anderson, Anglican Archdeacon of Hamilton-Haldimand, said we can’t wait for long-term solutions—housing for everyone—we need to act now to provide safe and healthy options to ensure no one is left behind due to poverty or illness.
Julia Kollek, president of HATS, described the plan for a community of tiny shelters a temporary, imperfect solution, that will provide a stepping stone to permanent housing. The cabins will provide a warm place with a roof over your head and support, “because that’s what we all need.” Former MPP (and former housing minister) Ted McMeekin called homelessness a scandal and said, “The city needs to declare that it won’t tolerate homelessness, period.”
Don Seymour, Executive Director of Wesley Urban Ministries, said he is confident that Wesley will provide some of the hired help for the HATS project. He said he’s proud to be part of HATS.
The loudest applause was for former steelworker Bill Mahoney, the poet of Local 1005 who has attended our church services. Bill’s poem warned us not to be complacent about homelessness:
I’m telling you, you better pray, Because poverty’s one job away.
HATS hopes for more news when it meets with city staff this week.
Learn more about: http://hats.hamiltonpoverty.ca/