We are very disheartened: Toronto tiny home builder fights to keep shelters for unhoused residents [Video]

With Toronto facing a homelessness crisis and shelter beds in short supply, Ryan Donais started Tiny Tiny Homes, a non-profit building small, heated shelters for those living outside.

Donais wanted to help people survive the winter, but the city recently sent him a cease-and-desist letter, ordering the removal of his non-profit housing.

Five of those units now sit in St. James Park, offering warmth and security to those with nowhere else to go.

But now, the City of Toronto is demanding the shelters be taken down.

“We were disheartened to hear about the City’s letter,” Donais said. “There’s not enough available beds, so we’re disappointed to be asked t0 remove these units from city property.”

Each structure is equipped with a bed, a table, a sink and a furnace. The goal, Donais said, is to provide a safer alternative to tent encampments while people wait for more permanent housing.

“These …