Converted hotel in St. John's has almost as many staff as formerly homeless residents

Designed to provide tenants with support finding stable, long-term housing, 11 people were living at the facility in late May. Almost four months later, 43 people live at the facility—that ratio will gradually change, though, as a phased approach to adding services, and therefore residents, continues.

So far, four residents have successfully transitioned to other housing options. At full operation, the former 140-bed hotel will house 100 people. A few dozen rooms are being converted into spaces for supportive programming, clinic spaces, palliative rooms and offices.

Nearing half capacity, Doug Pawson, executive director of End Homelessness St. John's, says people are moving into the facility every week. "It's a rolling intake, so we have more people moving in," Pawson told CBC News. "Pretty much weekly, three to five folks [are] moving in."

Three-year lease

In January, the provincial government partnered with N.L. Health Services and Clayton Hospitality, the former hotel's owner, to lease the building for $6.9 million per year for three years. Formerly closed, the lease opened up an opportunity to turn the hotel into temporary accommodations with wraparound support services to help people transition into permanent housing.

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