The City of Windsor has developed a new vision for the Barn to provide supportive housing and health services.
The concept of the Village at the Barn, the former Windsor Arena, is based off of a model found in Minneapolis.
"We think that what we've seen in Minneapolis at Avivo Village can play out perfectly at Windsor Arena in coordination with the H4 and deliver supports and services for people experiencing mental health and addiction downtown. Taking them where they're at, giving them a place to put their head on a bed, getting them off of our main street and other streets," said Mayor Drew Dilkens.
The initial concept includes 102 pod-style dwelling units, common living areas, restroom and shower facilities, and clinical spaces for healthcare and other supports.
To access the rooms, services, and supports within the transitional-housing village, residents would be required to make a small contribution.
In Minneapolis, Avivo Village provides temporary shelter and services to put people on the path of permanent housing.
"Because it's an emergency shelter model we don't want this to be home for you. We want to go find you a home and so we are really working to get people out. So on average [people stay] about eight months," said David Jeffries, program director at Avivo Village.
An estimate for capital and operational costs has not been developed.
"This is literally launching the vision. There are still a number of things that need to come to city council in terms of costs. We cannot do this without our federal and provincial partners," said Dilkens.
Currently, the Windsor spends about $25 million annually on its homelessness budget. About $21 million of that comes from the provincial and federal governments. The rest is funded through the City of Windsor and County of Essex.
