A project that provides immediate assistance to homeless Chatham-Kent residents has received provincial recognition.
The Chatham-Kent Homeless Response Line was chosen for an Ontario Municipal Social Services Local Municipal Champion award by the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSS) at its conference last month.
The response line came about through the recognition that there was a shortage of emergency housing in the community and a collaborative effort to take action.
The service involves a dedicated telephone line (519.354.6628) which is answered Monday to Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 24 hours a day on weekends and holidays, when regular social service offices are closed.
Valerie Colasanti, Chatham-Kent Director of Employment and Social Services, said the municipality leveraged existing relationships with local motels and build a co-ordinated response team with the help of community groups including The Salvation Army, Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton-Kent, Victim’s Services, Chatham-Kent Woman’s Centre, Employment & Social Services, Housing Services, Police Services and Fire Services.
“Callers to the line are screened, diverted to safe temporary housing with family/friends when possible or referred to a local emergency motel,” she said. “Transportation is provided to get callers to emergency accommodations if necessary. Most importantly callers are referred to and paired with local housing first service providers that wrap services and support options around them to assist them in securing long-term sustainable housing. This co-ordinated team approach reduces duplication amongst service providers and ensures the best plan is developed for the individual.”
Since the service began in August 2014, it has answered 450 calls from 247 unique individuals and has provided 312 emergency stays.
Colasanti said Chantal Perry, Program Manager with ESS, Shelley Wilkens Director of Housing Services and Darrin Caniff, Chair of the Prosperity Roundtable played key roles in the initiative.
“Due to the commitment of staff and community partners, people in emergency situations have an opportunity to find shelter.” she said. “It’s part of CK Plan 2035 to have a healthy and safe community for all of our residents.”
