Shelter Construction and Renovation

Safe, dignified spaces

Shelters serve people in crisis, including people experiencing homelessness, families, youth and survivors of violence. Buildings must be safe, calm and clean, with places for privacy and rest.

Design choices matter: natural light, noise control, clear sightlines for staff and well-planned washrooms and showers. We work with operators to put those into the details.

Durable and easy to maintain

Shelters see heavy use around the clock. Floors, walls, doors and fixtures must withstand wear and clean easily. Our interior systems crew builds robust walls and ceilings, our painters apply durable coatings, our carpenters and millwork team build secure storage, and our doors and hardware crew installs reliable locks.

Our mechanical crew installs HVAC and plumbing, including hot water for showers and laundry. Ventilation and infection control are central in shared living areas.

Safety and security

Cameras, door control, alarms and lighting help protect residents and staff, particularly for programs serving survivors of violence. Our Low Voltage Systems Manager, Adam Mason, leads the team installing these systems. Our electrical crew, led by a Master Electrician, provides lighting, power and emergency systems.

Many shelters cannot close, particularly in winter when demand is highest. We phase work, schedule noisy tasks away from rest hours, and keep exits and routes clear. Our Director of Health and Safety, Ghilda Gaber, leads planning for work around vulnerable people.

Timelines are often driven by funding approvals and the cold season.

Plan for these items

Operators should consider:

• Number and type of beds or rooms
• Staff stations and sightlines
• Intake, storage and laundry
• Kitchen and dining
• Outdoor space and accessibility

Getting started

Share your program model, your funding timeline and what must stay open. Our team can then propose phasing, budgets and safety measures that fit your operation.