Fundraising for new Brock Mission men’s shelter in Peterborough more than halfway complete

Construction of the new Brock Mission men’s shelter in Peterborough could start later this spring, but a lot of things still need to fall into place before shovels hit the ground.

Officials are waiting to hear whether an application for $5 million in federal funding will be approved.

“This project is long overdue,” said city councillor Keith Riel.  “This is the impetus for us to eradicate homelessness in this community.”

READ MORE: Brock Mission men’s shelter receives unexpected gift

The total project budget is around $9 million, and construction will be $6.3 million.  A fundraising campaign is now more than halfway to its $2 million target — and currently it’s sitting at $1.2 million raised.

Last year, the project was sent back to the drawing board after it came in at more than $3 million over budget.

But after working with the city and Lett Architects, the project is now on target without sacrificing the plan for 30 beds and 15 private units.

“We’ll also have a separate daytime space for when the weather is bad,” said Bill McNabb, the shelter’s executive director.  “People need to be inside where it’s not overcrowded.”

READ MORE: City of Peterborough moves ahead on Brock Mission redesign

The old building on Murray Street, where the new shelter will be constructed, was razed in November 2017.

Right now, the men’s shelter is about two blocks east of that on Murray Street in a temporary location in the hall of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church.

The church itself is condemned and is now being demolished, but that should not affect the hall which is off the back of the building.

However, the shelter is at capacity.

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Another update on the fundraising campaign as well as an answer on the federal funding is expected within the next month.