‘A Better Tent City’ at risk without regional funding

By Casey Taylor

It's been dubbed a local success story when it comes to helping those experiencing homelessness, but now 'A Better Tent City' says it needs regional funding or it may fail.

Approaching its third year, it's become home to 50 residents living in 42 'cabins' but, without additional funding, those residents may be forced back onto the street.

“For our first two years we relied very heavily on volunteer resources, recently we came to realize that this was no longer sustainable,” said Jeff Willmer, Board Chair, A Better Tent City.

Wilmer told Region of Waterloo councillors this week during a budget meeting they've been running in the red and still need to hire a fourth full-time staffer.

“But there's now a $15,000 dollar a month gap between our operating expenses, which are about $40,000/month and our revenue, of about $25,000/month,” he said, adding they've been making ends meet by drawing from a reserve meant to help fund another potential site change but, “that reserve will not last too much longer.”

As such, Willmer said he's turning to regional councillors with a request for $180,000 as part of the 2023 budget to help keep them afloat.

Councillors did also seem quite open to having that discussion and region staff suggested it may be added to the agenda early next month.

“You know, we can give lots of money to different groups but if we can't get volunteers it's a hard thing and sometimes we're going to have to pay to hire people to do some of the work that needs to be done because sometimes volunteers get burnt out,” said Cllr. Rob Deutschmann. “And I just want to say, in terms of budget, this seems to be the ideal situation for accessing the tax stabilization fund.”

“I find it very interesting if you look at American cities, some of them […] have — quote — 'A Better Tent City concept' and I think it's great because I think a lot of these ideas that are happening are a result of what you've done, and I appreciate it,” said Cllr. Doug Craig.

There was though also some question as to if this would be a one-time grant or an annual funding commitment.

“I think the expectation would be annual, [but] we're really looking at one year at a time,” answered Willmer. “Essentially we are such a fledgling organization we tend to think in the short-term and our lease with the city and the school board is a year-to-year lease.”

He did though also suggest it seemed likely that lease may be extended for another year.

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