With Toronto dealing with a homelessness disaster and shelter beds briefly provide, Ryan Donais began Tiny Tiny Houses, a non-profit constructing small, heated shelters for these dwelling exterior.
Donais wished to assist individuals survive the winter, however the metropolis lately despatched him a cease-and-desist letter, ordering the removing of his non-profit housing.
5 of these items now sit in St. James Park, providing heat and safety to these with nowhere else to go.
However now, the Metropolis of Toronto is demanding the shelters be taken down.
“We were disheartened to hear about the City’s letter,” Donais mentioned. “There’s not enough available beds, so we’re disappointed to be asked t0 remove these units from city property.”
Every construction is provided with a mattress, a desk, a sink and a furnace. The objective, Donais mentioned, is to offer a safer various to tent encampments whereas individuals look forward to extra everlasting housing.
“These aren’t a solution to the housing crisis, but they add beds to the system, so people aren’t sleeping in extreme temperatures,” he mentioned. “And for the people who live in them, it’s life-changing. They’re doing better, they’re healthier, they have dignity.”
Coun. Alejandro Bravo says it’s essential to help these locally like Donais, who’re attempting to offer momentary options. “We should work with those in the community who are coming forward with that support,” she mentioned.
“The most important thing here is that this is a not-for-profit response to an emergency that’s not just in Toronto but all across Canada,” Bravo added.
The town, nonetheless, says the properties violate bylaws prohibiting constructions in public parks. In an announcement, spokesperson Russell Baker mentioned in addition they pose potential security dangers and intervene with outreach efforts.
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“Structures are not permitted in any City parks or on right of way, such as sidewalks. The structures also interfere with the public’s ability to use the park,” mentioned Baker.
“If the steps outlined to the business owner are not taken, the city will consider next steps as appropriate,” the assertion additional learn.
Regardless of the order, Donais mentioned metropolis officers have since reached out and agreed to satisfy with him to debate attainable options.
“They responded promptly to our letter, and for now, there will be no immediate action in St. James Park,” Donais mentioned. “We appreciate the city opening up a form of communication with us.”
He hopes they’ll discover a momentary location the place the properties may be positioned legally.
“Nobody should be living in a park. We just want to get people off the streets and into something safer. We’re willing to work with the city to make it happen.”
‘People’s lives are a stake’
For Donais, this work is extraordinarily essential.
“I consider myself a caring individual,” he mentioned. “But not a long time ago, in another life, I had hard times too. I’m empathetic to what these people are going through because I know how quickly life can turn upside down.”
He believes steady shelter is step one towards rebuilding a life.
“Imagine needing to get your mental health better, but you can’t even sleep at night,” Donais mentioned. “These homes give people a chance to rest, to feel safe.”
The Metropolis of Toronto says it’s working to develop its shelter system and inexpensive housing packages, with plans to construct 20 new shelters by 2033.
Nevertheless, Donais believes fast motion is required for individuals who don’t have time to attend.
“We’re just trying to help,” he mentioned. “We’re trying to get people out of the cold.”
For now, the way forward for Tiny Tiny Houses stays unsure, however Donais isn’t giving up.
