Q&A with Chrystal Wilson, Acting Executive Director of Our Livable Solutions
One of the cabins that people called home
Q: For those unfamiliar, what is Our Livable Solutions and how did it start?
A: Our Livable Solutions (OLS) was created to address the lack of meaningful involvement from people with lived experience of homelessness in decision-making. We started as a consulting group, with those who had experienced homelessness as the true consultants. Quickly, it became clear that direct, on-the-ground support was needed, which led to our first major initiative: the sleeping cabin community pilot, running from 2021 to 2024 in Kingston.
Q: What is the core philosophy behind OLS’s work?
A: We are entirely driven by the people we support. If an idea doesn’t resonate with those who have lived experience, we don’t pursue it. Our programs focus on fostering independence, coaching people in daily living skills, and supporting them as they transition to permanent housing. The aim is not just to house people, but to help them stay housed by building the skills and confidence they need.
Q: The sleeping cabin project was a significant initiative. What happened to it?
A: The cabin community provided small, private cabins as a bridge from homelessness to permanent housing. It was cost-effective, about $76 per person per night, much less than traditional shelters. The program ended on September 30, 2024, mainly due to funding challenges. The City of Kingston is holding the cabins in storage until we can secure about $1 million in operating funds, which would cover two years of support services. We’re actively fundraising and working towards charitable status to bring the cabins back, ideally at a new site called Crossroads Village, thanks to a partnership with Crossroads United Church.
Q: What supports do residents receive beyond a roof?
A: Supports are individualized, ranging from help obtaining ID and accessing healthcare to employment counseling and literacy tutoring. We focus on building trust and addressing trauma, recognizing that most people experiencing homelessness have faced significant adversity. Our care coordinators act as coaches, helping residents regain skills and confidence, and we connect people to legal, dental, and other essential services as needed.
Q: What have you learned about the links between homelessness, mental health, and trauma?
A: It’s extremely rare for someone to be unhoused and not face mental health challenges—if not from before, then as a result of homelessness itself. Many residents have high adverse childhood experience (ACE) scores, which makes recovery more difficult. Trauma is a universal factor, so our approach is trauma-informed, focusing on rebuilding trust and helping people take small, manageable steps forward.
Q: What keeps you motivated in this work?
A: Seeing people succeed—whether it’s someone learning to cook again, getting their own apartment, or going back to school—makes it all worthwhile. The barriers are immense, but every time someone makes progress, it’s a reminder of why this work matters. The resilience of the people we serve is inspiring.
Q: How can the community help?
A: We need operational funding to reopen the cabins and sustain our work. Donations, advocacy, and spreading awareness are all crucial. We also encourage people to challenge stigma and support policy changes that make housing and services more accessible. Ending homelessness requires all of us working together.