Supportive Cabins Initiative

Supportive Cabins Initiative at 1805 County Road 2 East, Brockville

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, in partnership with the John Howard Society and the City of Brockville, is proud to introduce the Supportive Cabins Initiative. Located at 1805 County Road 2 East, Brockville, this innovative initiative is designed to address chronic homelessness in our community by providing short-term stabilization with 24/7 support services.

Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals experiencing homelessness can find stability, access essential services, and prepare for a transition into long-term housing solutions. This page serves as a central resource for information, updates, and community engagement opportunities related to the initiative.

Project Overview

About the Supportive Cabins Initiative

The Supportive Cabins Initiative will consist of 25 individual cabins, each equipped with essential amenities to provide residents with a comfortable and secure place to live. The cabins are part of a broader strategy to reduce homelessness in Leeds and Grenville by offering a pathway to more permanent housing solutions.

Key Features

Individual Cabins: Each cabin will provide a private space for residents, including basic living amenities.
24/7 Supervision: The site will be managed by the John Howard Society, ensuring round-the-clock supervision and support for residents.

Community Impact

Why This Initiative Matters

Homelessness is a complex issue that affects individuals and communities alike. The Supportive Cabins Initiative is a critical step towards providing immediate relief to those in need while addressing the root causes of homelessness. By offering a safe and supportive environment, this intiative aims to improve the overall well-being of our community.

Addressing Concerns

Safety: With 24/7 supervision and security measures in place, the initiative is designed to be a positive and secure addition to the neighborhood. Emergency services (Brockville Police, Brockville Fire Department, Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service) have been part of on-going discussions to ensure the site is safe for residents and the community.
Community Collaboration: We are committed to working closely with local emergency services and community organizations to ensure the initiative’s success and address any concerns that may arise.

Contact Us

Your feedback and questions are important to us. If you have any concerns, suggestions, or need more information about the Supportive Cabins Initiative, please reach out to us.

Contact Information

Email: cabins@jhskd.ca

We are committed to transparency and open communication throughout the development and operation of the Supportive Cabins Initiative. Thank you for your support as we work together to create a stronger, more compassionate community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the Counties doing this?

The number of people currently experiencing homelessness in the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is unprecedented, and like many communities across Canada, we are living through a crisis.

In response to this crisis, the Counties are using the City of Brockville’s property at 1805 County Road 2 East, Brockville to operate as the site of the Supportive Cabins Initiative. The site accommodates 25 people currently experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

This initiative is an important tool in the Counties overall strategy to ending chronic homelessness and compliments other actions being taken, along with actions planned for the future.

Who operates the site?

The site is operated by the John Howard Society of Kingston and District as a contracted third-party agency.

The agency’s commitment to addressing homelessness in this district is long standing; with a community residential facility having been operational in Kingston since 2012 providing accommodation and support to conditionally-released male federal offenders. The primary objective of this facility is to provide residents with a stable, structured, and supervised independent living environment as they reintegrate back into the community.

For more information on the John Howard Society of Kingston and District, visit their website.

When will the site open?

The site will be open and operational in February of 2025.

What services will be provided at the site?

Individuals residing in the cabins will be provided with comprehensive case management and system navigation services while engaged with the program. Individuals will be aided in the establishment and pursuit of individualized plans of care which may include supports such as:

Obtaining identification (birth certificate, health card, SIN number, etc.)
Referrals to services in areas such as mental health, healthcare, legal services, substance use/harm reduction, employment, education and more
Social/recreational opportunities in order to develop pro social relationships
Life skills education – delivered in group and individual formats

Programming will be offered to clients both on site at the cabin community as well as in the community at large – involving a collaborative approach with partner agencies.

Will meals be provided at the site for residents?

Residents will be provided with one hot meal Monday – Friday. For the additional weekday meals and on weekends, residents will have access to food (including frozen meals) and will be engaged in learning about food preparation in order to provide for themselves.

What facilities are available for people living in the modular community?

Each person has their own cabin that is heated, cooled in summer months and comes with a bed and a mini fridge. People are supported to personalize their units.

The site is also equipped with washrooms, showers, laundry and a community space. The community space has a kitchenette where residents can prepare food.

How are people selected to move into the cabins?

Residents will be selected utilizing the local By Name List. This list has been established for the purpose of enumerating individuals experiencing homelessness and promoting coordinated access. Priority will be given to individuals who have been homeless for the greatest amount of time. Fit and support requirements will also be considered.

How much does this modular bridge housing project cost?

Rent is paid by individuals living in the units and the remaining project costs are funded by the Province of Ontario through the Homelessness Prevention Program.

What are the causes of homelessness?

Many communities in Ontario and across Canada have also been experiencing an increase in chronic homelessness. It is a complex issue and is due to many factors including: 

Social assistance rates 
Housing affordability crisis 
Rental vacancies crisis 
Increasingly complex needs of individuals – severe mental health, physical health, substance use disorders 
COVID-19 pandemic impacts on employment, access to health care and mental health care, housing affordability 
Systemic oppression impacting those identifying as African, Black, Indigenous and racialized.

Solutions to this crisis require additional supports from all levels of government. It needs a community-focused and led approach to include solutions that address the root causes of homelessness. 

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville continues to play a leadership role, bringing together partners from various systems to work on this very complex issue.