More Support for Those Experiencing Homelessness in Halton Region

Construction has started on an addition to The Salvation Army Halton Lighthouse Shelter in Oakville to provide more support for people experiencing homelessness.

The $1.4 million project will increase the number of emergency shelter beds to 40 with an additional 270 square metres of space for eight new rooms, providing a safe and warm place to stay for people living on the street.

“This addition to the Halton Lighthouse Shelter provides a much-needed roof over the heads of people who are experiencing homelessness and in need of hope, support and compassion,” said James Moulton, Executive Director of The Salvation Army Hamilton Halton Brant Housing and Support Services.

“We are incredibly thankful to our generous funders and donors who made this expansion possible at a time when demand for emergency shelter is on the increase.”

The expansion received funding from The Salvation Army, the Government of Ontario and a generous anonymous donor who provided $500,000 toward this project. Completion of the Halton Lighthouse Shelter expansion project is expected in late spring or early summer 2022.

In 2021, Halton Lighthouse Shelter provided 7,800 bed nights of accommodation to 492 individuals, 23,000 meals were prepared for residents and 516 hours of Chaplaincy were provided to 200 individuals.

Kirth Murphy knows firsthand the uncertainty of not knowing where his next meal will come from or whether he will have a place to spend the night. As a former resident of the Lighthouse Shelter, he understands the positive difference having a safe and warm bed can make in someone’s life.

“I am no longer homeless, and I don’t know where I would be without Lighthouse and The Salvation Army. I feel like I am still part of the shelter and have the support when I need a warm meal or someone to talk to,” Kirth says.

The Salvation Army Halton Lighthouse Shelter in Oakville provides housing support and hope for people facing housing insecurity in Halton Region.