Shepherds of Good Hope unveils newest supportive housing residence

Five days ago, MichaelParrolled his wheelchair into the yellow brick building at 1095Merivale Rd. that's now become his new home.

The 55-year-oldsaid he became homeless a few years agoafter his apartment building in Vanier was condemned, and a foot infection resulted in a 15 weeks-long stay at the hospital. He said he then spent 18 months in a shelterbefore moving to the streets.

Parsaid he now finally feels safe at Shepherds of Good Hope's newest supportive housing residence.

"The safe environment here has been a real turnaround for me," saidPar, "This provides ... all the things I need to get healthier."

Parsaid he has been allocated a studio apartment complete withan en-suite washroom and a balcony.

"It's a beautiful place here," he said. "It doesn't feel like a shelter or hospital."

The Shepherds of Good Hopewill provide housing to 57 people including Par who were experiencing chronic homelessness at its sixthsupportive housing residence, according topresident and CEO Deirdre Freiheit.

The building features studio apartments and rooms, along with a community kitchen and access to extensive outdoor greenspace, according to a news release issued by the organization.

"This location has actually helped us tip the scales," said Freiheit, "We have more people in supportive housing nowthan we do in our shelters."

His apartment was condemned, leaving him homeless. But now he's hopeful for the future

55 years ago

Duration 1:23

Michael Par, 55, is now living at the Shepherds of Good Hope's newest supportive housing residence on Merivale Road. (Photo: Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Harm reduction services also offered

The Shepherds of Good Hopesaid it has a total of 291 supportive housing units across the city, while its shelter provides emergency temporary shelter for up to 254 people.

Its news release states residents of the new facility will receive"around-the-clock wrap-around supports," ongoing care and medical support from Ottawa Inner City Healthand harm reduction services for those in need. Residents also have "recreational activities, life skills and community building opportunities" available to them.

"A lot of people who have spent a lot of time on the streets, their life expectancy is lower, their health is very compromised," said Freiheit.

"When we can wrap those supports around them, then they can often start to improve in those areas and then they can start to work on other things."

Freiheit emphasized housing is the way to end chronic homelessness.

"They can be here for as long as they want. This is their permanent home for as long as they want it," she said. "They are welcome here for life."

Freiheit saidanother new building is currently in the works for 216 Murray St., down the street from its shelter.

'Finally, I got a home'

This supportive housing resident says he now has a 'five-year plan'

1 year ago

Duration 1:21

Ken Tracey, who uses a wheelchair, says he feels at home at Shepherds of Good Hope's supportive housing residence. (Photo: Michel Aspirot/CBC)

"If you've ever lived in a shelter, you don't want to live there," said Ken Tracey, who will now live at the new supportive housing residence.

Tracey, who uses a wheelchair, said the building is easy for him to navigateeven his washroom is wheelchair-accessible andthe staff ensures he is well taken care of.

"This is one big family here," said Tracey."They're going to help me get a new leg, my eyes fixed, my teeth fixed....No one else was willing to help me."

Above all, Tracey said he feels hopeful.

"Finally, I got a home, a place to rest my head. ... I feel at home."