David Howard Slade feels it is a bit early to know exactly what he thinks about his new home, but does say it is better than sleeping outside or on a porch.Slade, 56, moved into Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Housing in Toronto about a week ago and is sharing a tidy townhouse with three men, thanks to the help of a client intervention worker he met through the Out of the Cold program.The seasonal cold-relief, volunteer-run initiative operates on a rotating schedule out of 16 churches, synagogues and temples, and is a place where men and women can find food, a place to sleep, and referrals to outside support services. This year, like every year, it shuts down in the spring. Last fall and winter the number of overnight stays was recorded at 13,199, up nine per cent from the previous year. Two surveys — one run by the city — are currently underway to assess the program and provide recommendations.Most of the programs close in March and Monday is the last night, with just 25 spots open at The Church of St. Aidan, on Queen St. E. That means the more than 1,200 people, like Slade, who used the program this season will now be forced to find another place to sleep.“So under the bridge will be busy this summer, if it is raining,” said Slade. “If it is not, the parks will be full.” New numbers on who uses the program will be published in “Out of the Cold Toronto: 30 Years Later-A Growing Crisis,” a report produced by Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services, following the collection of two years of data.Dixon Hall receives city funding to track the program, ensure city shelter standards are met, run intake and security and hire the community intervention worker, but all other costs and labour are absorbed by the volunteer organizations. The program is a “last resort” for vulnerable people, said Dixon Hall chief executive officer Neil Hetherington. It is also strained to the limit — with most or all of the spo ...
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