As politicians sign off on a proposal to build modular shelters in a farm field in southeast London at an estimated cost of $7 million, The Free Press’s Jack Moulton explains how the city got here with its homeless response.

Why are we putting shelters in a farm field?

Many Londoners want better supports and more housing for people experiencing homelessness – but not in their own neighbourhoods.

That was made abundantly clear when a proposed homeless service hub at the Lighthouse Inn , at Wonderland and Fanshawe Park roads, far from the city’s core, was cancelled in part due to neighbourhood pushback.

Even when a mere suggestion of a possible hub rose from the rezoning of an old radio building on Wellington Road, the door was swiftly closed on the idea.

That concern about locati

See Full Page