City seeks additional housing options for tenants of 'unsafe' apartment building
The City of Windsor is asking landlords and property owners who may have rental options available for tenants who were forced to vacate their apartment building last month to reach out.
City staff and community support agencies have been onsite at River Place Residence at 245 Detroit Street for several weeks after the building was deemed unsafe and residents were forced to vacate the building July 20.
While more than a dozen families have been successful in finding housing to suit their needs, the city is still in search of more options.
“Finding affordable, available rental properties continues to be a challenge in Windsor and Essex County. While there are tools available to support successful tenancies, the city and community agencies serving persons experiencing homelessness are constrained by the challenges of the limited housing supply,” a news release from the city says. “Landlords and property owners who may have rental options for residents of Detroit Street and the other 440 households who are currently experiencing homelessness in Windsor and Essex County, are asked to come forward.”
An Unsafe Order was issued July 8, 2021 at the apartment building due to the lack of life safety systems, working fire alarms, functioning heating and ventilation systems, and a potable water distribution system to the entire building. Residents were required to vacate the building when a Prohibition of Occupancy order went into effect on July 20.
City and agency staff have since spent hundreds of hours assessing the needs to residents and helping to facilitate permanent housing placements and directing them to the Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4) for further housing-search assistance and other services.
“Approximately 13 individuals are on site at 245 Detroit Street,” says Debbie Cercone, executive director of Housing, Homelessness and Children’s Services. “We are encouraged by the tireless efforts of city staff and the outreach workers. It is our hope that those who remain will engage with the services available to help them find new accommodations and supports for daily living.”
Officials say they are encouraged by the number of residents who accepted assistance, and urge those remaining on site to access the H4 and local emergency shelters to address immediate needs to food and shelter.
The city says through the work of staff and agencies over the last few weeks have offered displaced residents safe alternatives, but a return to regular operations will take effect immediately “allowing workers to provide much needed assistance in other areas of Windsor and Essex County.”
Former River Place Residents as well as anyone else in need of additional assistance is encouraged to attend the H4 400 Wyandotte Street East, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
They can also attend one of the local emergency shelters in the community including:
- Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families, 263 Bridge Ave. (519) 971-7595
- Salvation Army (for single men), 355 Church Street 519) 253-7473
- Downtown Mission (for single men, single women and families) 875 Ouellette Ave. (519) 973-5573
Landlords and property owners with available housing options are urged to call Housing Information Services at 519-254-4824.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.