You have likely read that more than 300 people overflowed the gym at Bennetto Elementary school Saturday for a meeting on the planned North End location of the Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters village. Lots of anger, most directed at the city, and lots of concern. HATS plans much more engagement with those living near the Strachan Street site, to listen, learn and reassure where possible.
The proposed site is the asphalted area east of James St. North, on the south side of Strachan St. East, north of the rail tracks and north of LIUNA Station.
If any of congregants have questions or concerns, please email them to housing@uuhamilton.ca. The HATS village is a new idea for Hamilton, though proven elsewhere, and worry is understandable.
How Congregants Can Support H.A.T.S.
Now that Hamilton council has endorsed HATS, our Affordable Housing Team agreed this week to encourage congregants to offer support, through volunteering or donations. The city is not providing any funding—this is entirely a community-led and financed initiative. Several congregants have already generously donated, and several congregants are volunteering. They include Bill Johnston, who has been on the Leadership Team almost since the beginning in 2021, and Leah Spence, who is heading up community engagement. To learn more about how you can help, email housing@uuhamilton.ca There will be capital costs to create the HATS village of 25 8×12 units, plus washrooms, kitchen and common space; and ongoing operating costs, mainly to provide 24/7 staffing to support the village members, for the two-year pilot project approved by city council and likely beyond.