The City of Windsor said representatives from numerous agencies remain at a west Windsor property condemned due to poor living conditions.
River Place Residence, at 245 Detroit Street, was issued a Prohibition of Occupancy order last month, due to multiple property issues. Residents were ordered out by midnight on July 20, leaving them to find other places to live. Some have been camping out in and around the property.
Debbie Cercone, the City's Executive Director for Housing, Homelessness and Children's Services, says agency representatives have been at the property or working with residents almost continuously since the eviction.
"Approximately 13 individuals are on-site at 245 Detroit Street," said Cercone. "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."
While some residents were able to find other places to stay right away, there was support offered on-site immediately to those having difficulty. The City also said well-meaning residents had donated supplies for people still at the property, but concerns were raised about these donations encouraging indefinite encampments. The City is strongly encouraging displaced residents to use resources like the Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4) to find accommodations and information or finding a pathway to permanent housing.
City By-Law Enforcement Director Bill Tetler said officers have been brought in to clean up the property, but property owners have not provided any clear plan on bringing River Place up to code.
"It is a very difficult situation with a privately owned property and a private landlord who declines to participate in finding solutions and places the responsibility onto the City of Windsor, community agencies, and ultimately the taxpayer, to manage their issue," said Tetler.
In addition to H4, displaced River Place residents may also contact emergency shelters such as the Downtown Mission, the Salvation Army, and the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families.
Landlords or property owners with spare units are also urged to call the City's Housing Information Services at (519) 254-4824.
