London’s micro-modular shelter reducing homeless encampments and unsheltered population, progress report reveals

The latest data is in regarding the success of London’s micro-shelter community more than two months after welcoming residents.

Primarily positive feedback and declining encampment populations highlight the latest progress report about the micro-modular shelter (MMS) for homeless Londoners.

Next week, the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee (SPPC) will consider the second update since the 60-unit (50 single occupancy, 10 double occupancy) facility opened in February on Cheesefactory Road.

“Overall, feedback has been positive, with only one participant reporting a negative experience to date,” the staff report reads.

Participants say improved safety, particularly the reduced presence of unwanted visitors, and reliable access to support services are key contributors to their experience.

Those factors have also been linked to improvements in both physical and mental well-being.

However, the report also acknowledges that the remote shelter for homeless Londoners isn’t a good fit for everyone.

As of April 9, a total of 83 people have lived at the MMS, with 16 choosing to leave after an average stay of two weeks.

Currently the facility is temporarily housing 68 people (plus 11 dogs and three cats), all of whom were previously living unsheltered.

“Since fall 2025, there has been a notable reduction in both the number of encampments and individuals residing within them,” the report adds. “This decrease is attributed, in part, to the implementation of the micro-modular shelter and broader winter response efforts.”

A third of the residents are women, the remainder men, with an average age of 47.

Last October, council approved spending up to $7 million to construct and operate the shelters.

Total construction and set-up costs were $3.3 million, plus an estimated monthly operating cost of $288,000.

“The program has transitioned into steady-state operations, with ongoing monitoring of performance metrics, participant outcomes, and service integration,” the report concludes.