Indwell and City Re-Imagine Balaclava Street School The historic Balaclava Street School in St. Thomas is set to take on a new life as a home for the local unhoused, thanks to a partnership between the City and Indwell. The project marks the third collaboration between the City and Indwell, a Christian charity dedicated to providing supportive housing for those in need. Mayor Joe Preston emphasized the importance of this partnership: “They do great work, and we really can’t find a match for what Indwell does. They provide 24-hour wraparound services, which are crucial when you’re moving someone unhoused into housing, and addressing the reasons they were homeless in the first place, such as addictions and mental health challenges.” The Balaclava Street School, a cherished heritage building in the community, was chosen for this initiative in part to preserve its historical significance. Mayor Preston explained that the city had been eyeing the school for some time: “It had been sitting empty, and we kept nudging the school board, asking if they were going to declare it surplus. The moment they did, we purchased it. City-owned property is easier for us to develop, and when we approached Indwell, they confirmed that they could make the idea work.” Indwell CEO, Jeffrey Neven, adds that this site is a good fit for their model. “Balaclava School is a gorgeous heritage building, and we are excited to reimagine it as supportive housing. We have converted old churches and rooming houses and are working on two hospital buildings in London. Giving new life to abandoned buildings fits well with our values.”
Thomas, such as the Rail City Lofts. The school’s exterior will remain unchanged to maintain its historical character, while a modern addition at the back will be renovated into residential units. “The school itself will keep its absolute historic nature,” said Mayor Preston, noting that preserving the building’s architectural integrity was a priority. A key aspect of Indwell’s housing model is the comprehensive support system provided to residents. Mayor Preston noted the variety of services available, ranging from addiction and mental health support to social activities designed to combat
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Page 30 Hometown St. Thomas • May 2025
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