CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The Department of Social Development and Housing has confirmed it is looking into the possibility of renting a storefront at 211 Euston St. to help support the work of local shelters.
Patrick Davis, the director of policy with the department, said the province is exploring a co-operative arrangement with local shelters and non-profit groups, including Bedford MacDonald House and the Blooming House Women’s Shelter. The storefront, located on the corner of Upper Hillsborough and Euston streets, could allow staff from these and other non-profits to meet with individuals who need help accessing government supports.
Sources told The Guardian last week the site was being considered by the province for a community outreach centre.
The idea is still in the planning stages. A lease has not yet been signed, Davis said.
"Bedford MacDonald house has been full for most of the last number of months. They don't have additional office space or meeting space that's available. Blooming House isn't operating 24-7 at the moment,” Davis told The Guardian.
“If they are to meet or help some of their clients, some other off-site space would be helpful.”
The move is partly driven by P.E.I.’s rental housing shortage as well as the growth in the number of individuals without access to affordable housing over the last two years.
Davis said the office may not be permanently staffed and could be shared between the organizations that often service the same group of people. The space would allow for assistance to be offered for accessing services like the province’s housing navigator, as well as the City of Charlottetown’s street navigator program. It could also be used to support individuals with social assistance applications or help with finding employment.
Davis said he has also spoken to the Canadian Mental Health Association and Family Violence Prevention Services about the storefront.
He also said the space may not be operated by government.
"What we'd really like to have is a lead (non-governmental organization) that will stick-handle this,” Davis said.
"It's really driven by the needs of the community."
Davis said he hoped to open the space within the next few weeks.
