Dozens of supporters of a Toronto shelter, that is facing closure, headed to City Hall, Tuesday, to try and save it.

The School House shelter, located in the Queen Street East and Jarvis Street area, has 55 beds and has been in serving the community since 1978.

During the meeting tempers flared as shelter residents demanded to know what was going to happen to them when the shelter closes.

John Clarke from the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty told 680News the city cannot afford to lose more shelter beds.

“Well what is actually happening at this moment is that beds are being lost at the school house shelter. It’s already been cut down to some 20 to 25 from 55 and that process is continuing,” said Clarke.

One man at the meeting told 680News he has been living in shelters for six years while he waits for housing. He said he has seen shelters close before.

“They say they’re housing them but I don’t believe that. I know there’s a couple. I’ve seen shelters close before, like the Treasure House for example and the Broadview one and the 60 Richmond one, and half of them never got housing. They just ended up leaving the place,” he explained.

Advocates say the shelter is used by many who are under employed and do not making enough money for housing.
 
City officials say closing the shelter will save $$135,908 a year and that they are hoping to come up with a plan to replace the lost beds.