The Schoolhouse Shelter was built around 1905 and served as a boys' school (Allan School) for many years until the 1970's when it was converted to a men's hostel.
Dixon Hall took over the administration of the Schoolhouse on September 15th, 1999. It provides shelter to up to fifty-five residents. Dixon Hall operates its programs based on a harm reduction approach. The Schoolhouse was a pioneer among Canadian shelters, in that it was one of the first to allow its residents to consume a limited quantity of beer on the premises. Residents are required to pay a user fee of $7 per night.
They leave the premises by 8:00 a.m. and return at 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Special exception will be made for residents who are ill or have worked a night shift. The facility is open 24 hr. on weekends and statutory Holidays.
The residents take a very active role in providing input into the Shelter rules and policies. There are regular meetings for residents and they elect a treasurer to govern the house funds.
The shelter offers a number of programs, including:
- Recreational / social events (bingo, barbecue, billiards, movie rentals, etc.)
- Housing (support towards obtaining alternative housing, matching with landlords, & follow-up support once they are housed)
- Harm reduction (weekly site support from worker, information sharing, referral, etc.)
- Onsite nursing care (weekly, including prescriptions)
- Meal services
Shelter staff are committed to assisting residents towards accessing these and other community resources.
Residents may obtain clean linen, towel, soap, and coffee supplies. Free laundry facilities, telephone, and computer access are available. Beds have lockable cabinets underneath for securing residents' belongings.
The Schoolhouse would like to recognize the generous support from its partner agencies that contribute to the overall quality of its programs, including:
- Windfall Clothing Service (monthly distribution of various apparel)
- The United Way of Greater Toronto (Winter Relief grants that have been used for bag lunches and winter jackets / boots)
- Regent Park Health Centre (weekly nursing site support)
- Second Harvest (weekly shipments of frozen meat, vegetables, and canned goods)