Home / Disasters and Accidents / Hamilton Drop-In Center Closed After Ceiling Collapse
Hamilton Drop-In Center Closed After Ceiling Collapse
12 Sep
Summary
- A ceiling collapse forced the temporary closure of Cathedral Café.
- The center serves approximately 200 unhoused and food-insecure individuals daily.
- Repairs are pending, with no firm reopening date set by the building owner.
A critical drop-in center in Hamilton, Cathedral Café, has ceased operations following a partial ceiling collapse. This closure significantly impacts hundreds of individuals who rely on its services daily. The center, situated at Christ's Church Cathedral on James Street North, provides essential meals, health clinics, housing support, and a refuge from extreme weather for those experiencing homelessness.
Staff discovered a ceiling crack on August 28, leading to an evacuation of the affected area. By the following Tuesday, a section of the ceiling had fallen. The building, approximately 150 years old, is owned by the Anglican Diocese of Niagara. St. Matthew's House, which operates the café, is awaiting the diocese's assessment of repair needs and timelines.
Advocates emphasize the closure's severity, noting that many housed but food-insecure individuals also depend on the café. Concerns are raised about alternative support systems and communication with affected service users. The city has been contacted for comment regarding bolstered resources during this period. Efforts are underway to collaborate with other organizations to redirect individuals to available supports.
