One year after breaking ground, Siloam Mission raised over $17M and is going to open a new shelter in 2020.
Siloam CEO Jim Bell said that the opening is scheduled for the spring of 2020.
"There is a bit of a paradox. We stand here today and we are excited about the fact that we have a new building that is being developed," he said. "The fact of the matter is we wish we were standing here saying that there's not a problem anymore, that we're shutting down, but that's just not the case."
On Thursday, all the people who invested in the new project and the city authorities were able to come to the construction site and to see what the shelter will be like. As Siloam CEO said, at the moment Siloam Mission can accommodate up to 110 people every night. The new shelter will try to solve the maximum issues connected with homelessness in the city.
"It all has to do with transition and progress. When people come in and utilize our services, there's no question, it starts with a meal, and it starts with a bed," said Bell. "The problem is big. There's no question."
The expansion of the shelter will add about 50 more beds. The amount of clothing for the homeless will also increase. The shelter also intends to pay great attention to the safety of women.
"There will be increased measures to make it more private and more safe, and more secure," he said. "We will have a new area in the building that's devoted to mental wellness."
The organization hopes to raise another $1.9 million to reach the goal. Most of the money was donated by private entrepreneurs.
Recall that another Winnipeg shelter is also planning to expand. Main Street Project announced the purchase of a new building at Main Street and Logan Avenue.
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