This April, Grey County is running a five-day campaign to better understand homelessness in our communities and to connect those in need with supports and services. From April 23-27, individuals and families who are without reliable shelter are encouraged to attend one of 13 drop-in hubs throughout the county. Staff, partners and volunteers will inform attendees about programs and services and other supports.
"Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Our ultimate goal is to have services and resources in place to help prevent people from become homeless before it happens," said Grey County's Director of Housing, Anne Marie Shaw. "Not only are we connecting people with the supports they need, we are listening to them and learning from their experiences."
In addition to receiving supports, attendees will be asked to complete a short questionnaire. Responses will remain confidential and will be used by Grey County and the Province to create homelessness prevention strategies.
Hubs will be set up at the following locations during their regular hours of operation:
Grey County Administration Building – 595 9th Avenue East, Owen Sound
Safe n' Sound – 310 8th Street E, Owen Sound
OSHARE – 890 4th Ave. East, Owen Sound
YMCA – 648 2nd Ave. East, Owen Sound
Hanover YMCA – 2425 10th Street, Unit 7, Hanover
Hanover Ontario Works satellite office – 286 10th Street, Hanover
South Grey Community Mental Health – 27 Main Street West, Markdale
Markdale Ontario Works satellite office – 206 Toronto Street South, Markdale
South East Grey Community Health Centre – 55 Victoria Avenue, Markdale
Southeast Grey Support Services – 24 Toronto Street, Flesherton
Southgate Ontario Works satellite office – 90 Artemesia Street North, Dundalk
Victoria Village Resource Centre – 80 Victoria Street, Meaford
Durham Ontario Works satellite office – 575 Saddler Street East, Durham
Grey County needs to hear from people everywhere on the homelessness spectrum for the campaign to be successful.
"Homelessness isn't always visible. It isn't only people living on the streets," says Shaw. "We want to connect with anyone who is without reliable housing, including those living with family or friends, 'couch surfing' or in an unsustainable and overcrowded housing situation."
For more information about the campaign to end homelessness, visit www.Grey.ca or contact the housing department at [email protected] or call 1-800-567-4739.
source: media release, Grey County
