Shower program for Pickering’s homeless on committee agenda

A shower service for Pickering’s homeless population will be extended through 2025 if Council approves a one day a week program that served 70 people in its first year and another 50 in the first six months of 2024.

DARS Inc., a local organization that specializes in support services and providing basic needs for unsheltered individuals, launched its shower program for Pickering’s vulnerable population in 2023.

The organization wants to continue the program, which allows the homeless and others in need of basic services the use of a dressing room at the Chestnut Hills Recreation Centre on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. each week. DARS staff will be in attendance to assist with towel and hygiene packages and provide supervisory services.

City staff will provide maintenance and cleaning of the facility prior to and immediately after use.

Mobile shower services for the vulnurable population are also found in many North American cities.

A man using a mobile shower in Santa Barbara, California

The program was actually green-lit in 2022 with Christian Faith Outreach Centre but uptake of the shower program was limited and the centre was not able to support the continuation of the program.

Pickering Council then endorsed a deal with DARS to operate the shower
program, which launched that March and provided shower services to 70 people. In the first six months of 2024 DARS has seen the program used by 50 people.

Ongoing evaluation of the program will continue, with regular discussions between DARS and city staff.

The request will be at tonight’s Executive Committee meeting in the council chambers.