The term encampments refer to emergency accommodations established by people who are unhoused, usually on public property or privately-owned land, and often without permission. Encampments are a consequence of Canada’s failure to meet its human rights obligation to ensure that all individuals have access to adequate housing – housing that is secure, affordable, habitable, accessible, culturally appropriate, and in a suitable location with access to services.
Mobile Service Depots
The Mobile Service Depots launched on May 1, 2025, as a collaborative effort led by outreach teams from London Cares and 519Pursuit. This outreach model brings basic needs directly to individuals living unsheltered in encampments. Services offered include meals and drinking water, hygiene care packages, clothing care packages, and garbage clean-up. In addition to providing basic needs, outreach teams also encourage individuals to access services and supports that exist throughout the community.
The depots operate on a mobile basis, meaning they provide services in areas where individuals are currently living unsheltered in encampments. The model leverages community partnerships and data-driven service coordination, enhancing accessibility, responsiveness, and overall effectiveness in meeting the needs of unsheltered individuals.
The Mobile Service Depot model is a temporary crisis solution and is designed to serve those who are already living unsheltered
London’s Health and Homelessness Response: Community Encampment Plan
On June 25, 2024, London City Council endorsed the Community Encampment Plan, which is grounded in a human rights-based approach focused on supporting individuals in encampments. The plan outlines both transactional outreach and transformational case-management to support an individual’s pathway out of homelessness and into housing and indoor spaces.
The plan includes safety protocols designed to support the wellness of individuals living in encampments, as well as the surrounding community.
The community-led plan was developed in consultation and collaboration with frontline sector experts and leadership, first responders, City of London staff, and with support from members of the community with lived and living experience. During community engagement opportunities hosted in May 2024, over 200 Londoners joined in-person community engagement sessions to learn more about the plan and give feedback on its proposed safety protocols and guidelines.
While the plan was endorsed by London City Council, operationalization has not been completed.
Read the Community Encampment Plan
Housing Stability for All: The Housing Stability Action Plan for the City of London
Homelessness in London is a complex issue that impacts all Londoners. The City of London has a leadership role in developing a sustainable and integrated housing stability system and has developed a number of initiatives and action items—both immediate and long term—to address the challenges of our community’s homeless challenges.
The Housing Stability for All Plan sets a vision and defines a direction for the collective work of the community to address housing stability, focused on four strategic areas. Each strategic area of focus has a goal, result, strategies, actions, and measures that will guide the work of the community now and in the future.
Learn about the Housing Stability for All Plan
Coordinated Informed Response
The Coordinated Informed Response (CIR) team is a trained, highly engaged team of City of London employees, London Police Services, and the community outreach agency London CARES. CIR is on the streets every day, offering support and services to Londoners living unsheltered. This team also works closely with London businesses to help address challenges related to individuals that live unsheltered.
The CIR team includes staff from multiple City service areas, such as Parks and Forestry, Municipal Compliance, Emergency Management and Security Services, and Road Operations. Each plays a vital role in helping to ensure the safety of all Londoners and maintaining the cleanliness of both public and private spaces across London.