1914-11-21aa

In November, 1914, the problem of homelessness in Hamilton was severe, especially as winter loomed ever closer.

The United Relief Association had limited means, but a lot of caring for those affected.

Efforts to be of assistance intensified as the month was coming to an end:

“A month ago, the problem of caring for Hamilton’s poor was really serious; today the problem is acute, and the coming of the severe cold is responsible.”¹

          ¹  “Shelter For the Homeless : United Relief Association to Provide Quarters”

Hamilton Spectator. November 21, 1914.

A reporter for the Hamilton Spectator spent some time assessing the number of homeless people in the city and the challenges they faced:

“Probably it is not generally known that there are men in Hamilton without a roof over their heads and that these people have been compelled to sleep out in the open – in public parks, back yards and vacant fields.

“The number of unemployed men and boys who have been compulsory devotees of this fresh air treatment has been roughly estimated at nearly a hundred.

“It was a hardship even in extremely mild weather, but the arrival of winter, with its attending icy blasts and heavy frosts, has made it impossible. These men have not a cent of money, sometimes they go two or three days without a bite to eat.

“Oftentimes, weak from hunger and cold, they seek the warmth of a railway waiting room. Five minutes is the usual time allotted to them for a shin-heat. Then they are unceremoniously bounced out the door, or the police are called and they are charged with vagrancy.”¹

A meeting of the United Relief Association was held on November 20, 1914, the sole item on the agenda being the matter of homeless in Hamilton :

“Plans were promulgated for the opening of sleeping quarters, where the homeless, disheartened army of unemployed could be sheltered.

“A building for this purpose has been rented. It is an empty warehouse on Macnab street south. Arrangements were made with the Salvation Army, the members of whom will have charge of the building.

“A soup kitchen will be installed in the warehouse and a piping hot breakfast served gratis to all lodgers.

“It is expected that the sleeping hall will be in operation within a week.”¹