Participant move-ins have begun at London’s Micro-Modular Shelter, marking an important milestone in the City of London’s efforts to support people living unsheltered as they work toward long-term housing stability.

The first group of participants moved into the temporary shelter this week. Additional move-ins will occur gradually, with small groups of individuals arriving each day. This phased approach allows staff to support intake and orientation, assess individual support needs, and ensure the site is operating smoothly as occupancy increases over the coming weeks.

London’s Micro-Modular Shelter includes 60 private units designed to provide safe, indoor space for people experiencing homelessness, including 10 units intended for couples. The site will support up to 70 individuals with access to shelter, essential services, and on-site supports.

The site includes shared washrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a dining area with meals provided on site, and office and support space. A designated on-leash dog-walking area is also available to support participants with pets. Transportation is provided by the site operator, Xpera, to support access to appointments, services, and other essential activities, alongside existing public transit options.

The project was delivered on an accelerated timeline, requiring close coordination across multiple City divisions, construction and utility contractors, and service providers. Despite challenging winter conditions, work progressed to ensure the site could begin welcoming participants as soon as it was safe to do so.

Operations at the site are being led by Xpera, with 24-hour on-site staffing that includes personal support workers, participant support staff, administrative staff, and security. Staff are trained in trauma-informed practice, de-escalation, first aid and CPR, naloxone use, and crisis response.

The City’s Life Stabilization team will be on site several times a week to support participants on their journey toward long-term housing solutions.

Participants are referred through London’s Coordinated Access system, which matches individuals to housing and supports based on need and vulnerability.

The City and Xpera will continue ongoing engagement with the neighbouring business community, including regular meetings that began in November and will continue throughout site operations. The City is focused on maintaining a safe environment for participants, staff, and the surrounding community, while also treating people with dignity and respect.

About London’s Micro-Modular Shelter

London, like many cities across Canada, is experiencing significant challenges related to housing affordability and homelessness. While the City’s long-term priority remains increasing access to supportive, affordable, permanent housing, there is an urgent need to provide immediate, safe options for people currently experiencing homelessness.

London’s Micro-Modular Shelter, located at 3900 Cheese Factory Road, is a temporary shelter site intended to provide stability and access to supports while longer-term housing solutions continue to be established. City Council approved the project in October 2025 following a Mayoral Direction. The site will operate through spring 2027.