People at Kitchener homeless encampment can now use washrooms at St. John's Kitchen

People staying at a homelessencampment on Victoria Street in Kitchener now have overnight and weekend access to washrooms at The Working Centre's St. John's Kitchen, which is located across the street.

After a push from local advocates and impacted residents, the region agreed in April to cover thecosts of keepingnearby washroom and hygiene facilities open 24/7 for people to use.

Two security guards will be on site to provide supervised access to thewashrooms outside of St. John's Kitchen's regular business hours, the region says.

Chris McEvoy, manager ofhousing policy andhomelessness prevention for the region, said in an email to CBC News thatwashrooms will be available for people at the encampment and others experiencing homelessness as well.

Washrooms will be available:

• When St. John's Kitchen is open 8:30 a.m.to 4p.m. Monday through Friday.
• After hours 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Friday.
• All day and overnight on Saturday and Sunday, from6 p.m. Friday through to 8 a.m.Monday.

The encampment,located on avacant lot owned by the Region of Waterloo, has grown in the last month to more than 30 tents.