ABOUT OUR LAST MEETING

Jeff Willmer spoke to us about A Better Tent City.

As the former Chief Administrator of Kitchener and Cambridge, Jeff played a critical role in A Better Tent City's development. Recognizing the limitations of traditional shelters, he helped co-found the initiative alongside the late Ron Doyle. Jeff's expertise in urban planning and municipal governance was instrumental in securing land, navigating zoning and regulatory challenges, and advocating for A Better Tent City as a viable model to address homelessness.

A Better Tent City (ABTC) in Kitchener, Ontario, is an innovative housing initiative aimed at providing a safe and stable community for individuals experiencing homelessness. Established in 2019, ABTC consists of small cabins that offer privacy and security while fostering a sense of belonging. It provides essential amenities such as washrooms, a communal kitchen, and social support services.

As chair of ABTC’s inaugural board, Willmer continues to provide leadership and strategic direction. He works closely with local governments, social service agencies, and community partners to ensure the project's long-term sustainability. His advocacy has helped ABTC gain recognition as an alternative approach to housing solutions, emphasizing community-driven support over institutional responses. Under his leadership, ABTC remains a model for other municipalities exploring similar solutions to address homelessness with dignity, stability, and community care.

PERSONAL VIGNETTE: Also in this meeting, Jim Ott delivered his personal vignette.

Click on the WATCH LAST MEETING button above to watch the whole meeting. Guest speaker Jeff Willmer's  intro starts at 2:12. Jim Ott's vignette can be viewed starting at the1:07:46 minute mark.