Hamilton Barton-Tiffany temporary shelter site reaches full capacity

The Barton-Tiffany temporary shelter site is now at full capacity, according to Hamilton city officials.

The tiny home community was designed to support up to 80 residents experiencing homelessness – providing a dignified space for them to live while accessing support services.

In order to bring the shelter to full capacity, City staff say they prioritized direct placements from encampments.

“Bringing the Barton Tiffany temporary shelter to full capacity is a key part of our action-oriented approach to addressing the housing crisis in our city,” Mayor Andrea Horwath said in a statement.

“By expanding shelter beds and offering essential supports in place, we’re helping people transition to permanent housing with the resources they need for a healthy, safe and secure future.”

The site is operated by Good Shepherd in partnership with the City of Hamilton, meaning residents have 24/7 on-site support, access to healthcare and case management to help transition to permanent housing.

Community members began moving to the site on Feb. 25. By April 7, Good Shepherd said 70 people and 24 pets were settled in.

“While permanent housing remains our goal, we know there’s an urgent need for temporary housing in our city,” said Marnie Cluckie, Hamilton’s city manager.

“With the addition of this 80-bed outdoor shelter site and 192 temporary shelter beds, we’ve increased Hamilton’s shelter system by 80 per cent.”

The opening of the Barton-Tiffany site and additional beds within the pre-existing shelter system marks the first time Hamilton has increased its shelter space since 2020.

Current estimates put the number of people experiencing homelessness in Hamilton at around 1,600. In 2020, that number was around 1,000.

READ MORE: Barton-Tiffany shelters reaching full capacity, say Hamilton city officials