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This is a place, as the name suggests, for people to stabilize. It might mean a good night’s sleep, a meal and a shower, or it might be an opportunity to get someone long-term support to make a change.

Cooper says the project is likely to “evolve as the community evolves.”

The house is on a large property – 0.6 hectares – that’s a prime lot to be turned into affordable housing down the line, Cooper said. The closing date for the deal to buy the land is next month. Council approved the $1.05 million pricetag last week after it was reported out of a session behind closed doors.

Owned by WAYS Mental Health, the property and home are no longer needed, executive director Joanne Johnson said. The need for an intensive live-in program for those under the care of children’s aid societies, which opened in 2005, has been in decline, and the WAYS group home closed on Oct. 10.

Coun. Stephen Turner, whose wards includes Sylvan Street, said he’s heard from several neighbours who aren’t pleased about the idea.

“I will push to make sure the process is appropriate and followed. It requires a community discussion,” he said.

“It is currently a group home, and that’s where it starts to make sense. It’s not that much of a departure from its current land use.”

But Ron Wilkie, whose son recently purchased a property on Sylvan Street, said it was “not a good thing at all,” worrying about a potential increase in crime.

“Having this next door is just not advantageous for raising a family and having little children and whatnot. And feeling safe, it’s about feeling safe too. It’s a quiet street. That’s why they liked it.”

Cooper stressed people won’t be sent out the door after a stay at the stabilization space. Instead, it’s an opportunity for staff to talk to people who may be struggling and connect them to the right resources.

Chuck Lazenby, director of London’s Unity Project, which includes a small emergency shelter, said London definitely needs new solutions and new spaces to support people who are living on the street and using drugs.

“We just always have to say, what are we missing here that could serve folks better? It could be anything from the proper space, to the proper approach, to the proper partner,” Lazenby said.