Julia Kollek has had an extensive career as a journalist and researcher. Most recently, she has felt compelled to do something about the issue of homelessness in Hamilton and in March she founded HATS, Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters as way to address the problem. Julia began by relating a personal observation. One day as she was walking, she spied a blue tarp, a cart, and a body – and then she had a moment of recognition. This was a place where someone was living. The problem of homelessness and encampments has been in the media throughout the pandemic; Hamilton is no exception. The reasons for homelessness are multiple and layered. And the solutions are equally complex.
But, Julia has focused on one specific measure designed to help people transition from street life to life in interior dwellings. Kitchener was the first city in the area to try a programme of Tiny Cabins. This project has been deemed successful by a wide variety of people; from the clients, to the urban support workers to the Police Chief. With this success as an example, Julia began her mission of bringing tiny cabins to Hamilton. The thinking is that a small, constructed dwelling provides a safe, secure environment that will be conducive to the physical and emotional healing of the clients that will in turn lead to developing the skills and mindset needed for prolonged living in larger interior spaces. The cabin concept is endorsed in Hamilton by the SPRC (Social Planning and Research Council), the Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction, numerous social justice advocates and Indigenous groups.
The units are 8x10 and contain a bed, shelf, microwave, fridge, and fire extinguisher. They are insulated and fire proofed. There is no plumbing (therefore no building permit is required). And they are easily movable.
One such shelter was available for public viewing at St. James Cathedral on James St. N. This attracted a number of visitors and many favorable reviews. To date, HATS has a commitment for 10 tiny cabins. The planning committee has located a site, near electricity, sewage, transit and there is an additional plan to include a community garden.
One such shelter was available for public viewing at St. James Cathedral on James St. N. This attracted a number of visitors and many favorable reviews. To date, HATS has a commitment for 10 tiny cabins. The planning committee has located a site, near electricity, sewage, transit and there is an additional plan to include a community garden.
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