Hamilton is converting rec centres into COVID-19 shelters for the homeless

To help Hamilton’s homeless residents with self-isolation during the COVID-19 outbreak, the city has announced that it will temporarily convert local recreation centres into self-isolation shelters and drop-in centres.

There are roughly 3,000 homeless residents in Hamilton who make use of the city’s regular emergency shelters each year, and this initiative would provide additional space for those residents to self-isolate if they are potentially or definitely infected with the COVID-19 virus.

Hamilton to convert rec centres into COVID-19 self-isolation shelters for homeless residents https://t.co/BEnEbRcp6q

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Though three lower-city recreation centres are set to be converted into these self-isolation shelters, the city will not publicly reveal their locations. Homeless residents in need of these shelters will be assessed and referred privately by doctors, hospital officials, or shelter officials.

Hamilton’s homeless residents in need of a regular shelter for overnight stays can still make use of those as normal. That said, health officials will screen each incoming shelter user and refer them to one of the city’s self-isolation shelters if needed.

The city is ensuring that current drop-in centres have the resources to remain open, including Living Rock Ministries, Wesley Centre, Willow’s Place at Mission Services, and Carol Anne’s Place at the YWCA.

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• coronavirus
• COVID-19
• Hamilton
• HamOnt
• Health
• homeless
• Public Health
• Recreation Centre
• shelter