An independent auditor’s report about London’s two low-barrier service hubs that are part of the Whole of Community Response to Homelessness reveals a successful model of care burdened by insufficient capacity, long-term financial uncertainty, and psychological risks for their workforce. The new report by audit firm MNP is one of the first independent evaluations of the service hubs that shelter and stabilize Londoners experiencing homelessness before they progress into supportive housing. Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) operates a Hub for people between the ages of 16 and 25 on the grounds of Victoria Hospital, and Atlohsa Family Healing Services’ Wiigiwaaminaan Lodge offers Indigenous-led services on the grounds of the Parkwood Institute. The audit report emphasizes the high demand for a limited number of overnight spaces, “Both Hubs are operating at full capacity with waitlists, indicating a need for expanded space and resources.” Recommendations in the report focus on three risks that were identified through site visits, interviews, and other research: However, the audit acknowledges that opening additional Hubs has been challenged by finding appropriate locations, capable operators, and operating funds. “While funding is available for capital assets, potential service delivery organizations lack confidence in long-term operational funding,” the report states. Mayor Josh Morgan tells CTV News that the findings of the audit align with his assessment of the current situation. “We know that we don’t have enough operating money to keep it going forever, and we also don’t have enough spaces,” Morgan explained. “So I think the report is bang-on with its recommendations and its guidance.” The initial objective of the Hubs Implementation Plan was to open five Hubs by May 2024, but to date, only the two Hubs are operating. According to the audit report, the Hubs Implementation Plan called for: “We have buildings and capital [funds], it’s the operational dollars that we really need. [We need] to see an ongoing commitment from the province,” explained Coun. Elizabeth Peloza who chairs the Audit Committee. A provincially funded Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub is expected to secure operational funding this fall. Initially intended to open April 1, the $6.3 million HART Hub will operate 60 treatment spaces inside the Salvation Army Centre of Hope, plus an additional 60 supportive housing units across the city. “The future is within the HART Hub structure, that’s where the province has said they’re going to (provide) funds,” the mayor said. The audit report also reports that London’s two operating hubs have served over 100 people and assisted over 40 individuals secure housing. Peloza believes getting more people to progress out of the Hubs and back into the community will require more supportive housing units. “We need that space available for housing in the community to move them out and (then) move in the next batch of people,” she asserted. “We could see those higher rates of success and flow through.” The audit report also highlights the dedication of employees working in the city’s Hubs, “Staff commitment, despite regular distress, is a testament to the existing workforce at the Hubs.” However, it warns of high turnover and potential burnout, “The workforce supporting the Hubs is highly committed but experiencing relatively low psychological health and safety.” “It is reasonable, in any workplace, that people are getting proper supports to be able to do the work. They’re doing especially difficult jobs,” Morgan said. The mayor expects the audit report will help build a case for greater funding from senior governments. “Each and every time we can produce a document like this, a value-for-money audit that says this is working, this helps us with our case to governments to say we need to continue to support the work that we’re doing,” he added. The audit report is the first of several updates council will be receiving about the city’s homelessness strategy this fall. The Audit Committee will consider the report on Sept. 10.
