A virtual session for the public on homelessness will be held later this month.
The Grey Bruce Homelessness Response Steering Committee will host the session on November 12.
Tania Dickson, the Bruce County Housing Services Manager, says the up coming forum will focus on first informing the public of how serious a problem homelessness is becoming in Grey and Bruce counties. She says that has become more apparent since the pandemic.
"We're also seeing more people at risk of homelessness due to affordability pressures and a lack of affordable housing options. So the situation requires a coordinated, community-based response to ensure individuals and families have access to some of the safe, stable housing and supports they need to maintain it," Dickson shared.
A release from Bruce County shares that the Bruce County Human Services Department works in partnership with YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce, Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce, the Bruce County Community Paramedicine Program, Brightshores Health System, and other community services to provide proactive and responsive supports to unhoused residents.
Participants at the upcoming forum will learn about the coordinated approach that Bruce and Grey counties are taking to try and tackle the homelessness issue.
"So participants will hear about our local prevention supports, our emergency shelter and our outreach services, as well as transitional housing and the collaborative work being done with those community partners to respond to encampments and support people in crisis," Dickson added.
Details on the many local services will also be provided, and what role different levels of government can play in solving the issue of homelessness.
"We often hear the term 'The No Wrong Door' approach. So this is coordinated access. So people can come into the system through many different pathways, and each of these pathways will work to connect people with the supports that fit their needs," said Dickson.
Dickson says this will require short and long-term solutions but ultimately there needs to be coordinated efforts by all levels of government in partnership with service providers to help with homelessness.
Details will be shared soon through the Bruce County website and socials on how to sign up for the virtual homelessness session on November 12.
"Homelessness is complex and requires collaboration across governments, service providers, and the community," said Bruce County’s Director of Human Services, Tina Metcalfe. "Our goal is to meet people where they are, address immediate needs, and create pathways to long-term housing stability."
More information can be found here: https://www.brucecounty.on.ca/housing-and-homelessness-support
If you need support or are concerned about the well-being of a person who is unhoused, you may:
Call 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca.
Call YMCA Rural Housing and Homelessness Outreach at 519-371-9222.
Contact Bruce County Human Services at 1-800-265-3022 or e-mail HuSinfo@brucecounty.on.ca.
Call 9-1-1 if someone is in serious distress or in the case of emergency.
