New Westmount PSH for GSS

a new 54-unit permanent housing support site…

for the George Spady Society to set up and operate! That’s exciting! Planning and organizing just started in October, so let’s check in with the program’s very busy Senior Manager, Nicole Webber, for an update on progress.

Located in the Westmount area, this is a new purpose-built facility with 48 studios and 6 single suites. Nine units are low barrier suites. There will be about 22 staff for this 24 x 7 operation including the Senior Program Manager, Team and Case Leads, Support Workers, and a Building Caretaker.

Much has been done since program planning and site set up began. Nicole is pleased that, at this point, the building systems are ready, the communication equipment is in place, and furniture is all in and set up. Homeward Trust is preparing start up packages for the units, i.e., bedding, linens, etc. that are expected to arrive within a week or two.

Staffing will be complete in about two weeks with the addition of several Support Workers and the Building Caretaker. The site will operate 24 x 7, so at least two staff per shift need to be in place before the program can open. Initially, the target was to open the site on December 19, but an early January opening is expected. Once the site is all ready, 19 clients will be coming in from SSPSH with ongoing referrals to the program coming from Homeward Trust Coordinated Access.

But program start up is getting closer and closer. This week Kyle Campiou, the GSS Indigenous Cultural Helper, was at the site to lead a welcoming and blessing ceremony. About half of Westmount clients are expected to be Indigenous so supports like the weekly sharing circle will be an important part of the Westmount PSH community. While dedicated special spiritual /cultural space isn’t currently available, Nicole hinted that plans are in the works for a unique spiritual development at the site.  

For Nicole, this is an exciting initiative. She first stepped into PSH as Manager of Christopher’s Place in 2017 then led the development of the innovative Scattered Site PSH program in 2020. When asked what was most exciting about Westmount, Nicole said: “My heart is in PSH because I know and believe there are so many good things we can do. Being a new building, we’re able to show clients this is how you deserve to live – you are worth it.” With that kind of committed and experienced leadership, the Westmount site, its clients and staff will be in good hands.