Emergency shelter Renovation
In The Beginning
The process of building an emergency shelter can be quite daunting as there are a lot of factors to consider. Everything from products, design, layout, and best use of space to understanding that the former Schwaben Club space is only a short-term solution all played a part in the process. If this were a long-term solution, use the best products that would last the test of time. Being that this is only a short-term solution, and our budget was limited, so what products could we use to create an effective and functional space?
During the Demolition
Instead of using tile on the walls, we used fire-rated fiberglass panels in the showers and toilet stalls. We used as much of the existing structure as possible to keep the cost down like the original tiled bathroom floors and walls. We left the metal knockdown door frames and doors unpainted to give it more of an industrial look. We built the stall walls only eight feet high vs the 10-foot height of the ceiling to allow for air movement and fewer sprinklers. We purchased and installed used sinks, faucets, and countertops from the re-store. Every effort was made to bring down the costs of renovating the space, while keeping the functionality of the space.
Universal Bathroom
Waterloo Region has announced that it will open a new emergency shelter for the homeless in Kitchener at the old home of the Schwaben Club.
After The Renovation
“In selecting the location, we considered the feasibility of activating the site quickly to provide urgent response, its proximity to public transportation, the availability of support services and the viability from a service provider perspective,” said Kelly-Anne Salerno, assistant director of housing operations and administration.
Accessible Shower
The region estimates that there are 1,000 people in the area currently experiencing homelessness including 450 who have been in that situation for an extended period of time.
The New Bathroom
WE can all do our part to help those in need!
A partnership between The Region of Waterloo, The Working Centre, and Major Decorating.
