‘No one is working alone’
In St. Thomas-Elgin, officials from municipal government, health services, social programs, law enforcement and non-profit housing organizations credit their advancements in reducing homelessness to a coordinated team effort. “We’re not doing this solo,” Mayor Joe Preston told The Spectator. “In fact, we’re achieving better results because everyone’s collaborating rather than acting independently.” This collaborative approach began roughly eight years ago according to Preston who will step down from his role at city hall later this fall. “The statistics are starting to show that our methods were effective.” Sometimes people tell him he’s being “too simplistic,” added Preston. “But you know what the solution to homelessness is? Housing.” St. Thomas has particularly emphasized supportive housing which includes various models and programs such as meal prep services, health care assistance and addiction treatment aimed at ensuring successful tenancies. The Station is one of two Indwell facilities that have bolstered the supportive housing options available in St. Thomas since 2022. With another building currently being developed there will be a total of 138 units operated by the charity. The Station is one of two supportive housing buildings managed by Indwell in St. Thomas; they’re also constructing a third one.Cathie Coward/The With additional support from agencies like the YWCA involved in Project Tiny Hope-a community featuring 40 micro-homes-St. Thomas aims for around 300 units locally. In 2023 , the number of homeless individuals in St. Thomas -Elgin peaked at about160 , but now sits closer to80 , accordingto social-services lead Danielle Neilson. “So we’re almost atthat50 percent reduction goal,” Neilson said , pointing out more initiatives are underwayand data supports reaching functional zero by2027. That doesn’t mean people won’t lose housing occasionally due to events like house fires , breakups , or job losses ; but those situations shouldbe briefand rare. “As long as you keep your numbers underthreeat any given time,” Neilson explained , “that confirms your community has reachedthe point wherehomelessnesshas effectively ended.”St. Thomas shelter provides diverse support
Talbot Streetin downtown St. Thomas boasts charming brick Victorian buildingsand murals honoring its railway heritage. The sidewalksare cleanwith few signs of street-level homelessnessas diners fill restaurant patiosfor lunchand customers visit Scott Wilkins’s salon. It wasn’t always this way, says Wilkinswho runs Angry Bear Barbershopand Tattoo Co. “It’s like nightand day,” he statedwhen recallinghow unhoused individuals lingered onthe streets justtwo yearsago. He attributes muchofthis improvementto Indwellandthe Inn Outof the Cold shelterlocatedjust off Talbot Street. “Instead of hanging aroundevery stoopand doorwaythey nowhavea place overtherewhere theycan relax.”The Inn Outof the Cold createdan enclosure aroundits perimeterforpeopletostore theircartswhile stayingattheshelter.
Cathie Coward/TheA lotofpeople avoid sheltersbecause they fear losingtheirbelongings.”
Theenclosure alsohelpskeep possessions off thestreet, a frequent sourceof complaints, Elliot noted.<
Elliot mentionedthattheshelterprovides40 bedsfor menand womenbutcan flexup to55 spacesaimingto beas “low barrier”as possible.<
“For instanceifyou showup highasa kiteat2a. m., we’re still welcomingyou.”
The Inn offersdiverse supportthrough partnershipsincluding addictiontreatment job assistance, andhousing navigationservices.<
“Whileotherparts of Ontario face crowded shelters, we’vegotspare beds,” Elliot explained.<
The Inn, a40-bed shelter formenandwomen, cansupport up until55spacesaimsto remainas “low barrier”Aspossible, saysexecutive director Brian Elliot. For example,“ifyou showuphigher than expectedat2a. m., we’re still lettingyouin.”Cathie Coward/The
A yearago ifsomeone hadasked usaboutcapacitywewould’vebeenclosefull butnow we’rearoundmid-30s.”
Indeedthe charity’sboardis consideringwaysitcanredefineitselfasthecommunityapproachesfunctionalzero, Elliotsaid.”Couldweaddother servicesthatwon’tjusttargethomelessindividuals butmightalsohelp those precariously housed or eventhose alreadylivingindwellingsneedingadditional supports?”
Police emphasize patience, persistence
Special constables cladinyellow tops patrol downtown St. thomas connecting localswithsocialhealthcare resources.. “We’re not claiming todoeverything perfectly but here we feel we havea promising recipeforsuccess,” Chief Marc Roskamp asserted. ““Our specialconstables work hardcreating rapportso individuals stay connectedwith aid.” “Reductions instreet-level suffering coincidingwith expandedsupportivehousinginitiativeshave significantlylowered downtown crime rates Roskampnoted.” ““People once caught stealing foodwereoftenvulnerablehomelessindividualsneedingsomethingto eat,” continued Roskamp. “By putting rightpiecesinplace suchasaddictiontreatmentoptions; clearthinkingemergesreducingboth theftsandpoliceengagementneeds.” ““Additionallyourspecialconstablesvisitthe Indwellfacilitiescheckinginwithresidentsfostering engagementduringtransitionsto newhomes.” ““Thisfocus freedup swornofficers so theycould focusonsafetyrelatedduties…” “Though Icautionagainstclaimingno encampments existintown,”said Roskamp mentioning authoritiesensurequickresponsetoencampments appearinglocally. “Pursuing compassionatelypersistentmethodsofapproachingunwillingindividualsinencampmentshas becomeessential here..” said Neilsonwho leads socialservices initiatives. “It’s unreasonabletoliveoutside areas unsuitablefor habitation.” “Most seemconnectedtoresources, making itverylikelythey’vealreadysecured accommodations.” In anotherpartofthetowncentre, youthfulcouplesettle attheentranceofoldtrain trestle turnedinto elevatedparkfeaturingartworksculptureslookingouttowardsnature.. Cori declinednaming herself citing safetyconcerns stemmingfromhumantrafficking shared shewas sleepingunder truckcappreviousnight.. “We need secureplaces tuckedaway”, said35-year-oldindicatingimpactencampmentclearancesleftbehind.” Meanwhile amidstchallenges facingthem regardinghousingaddictionhopefor Indwellapartmentremains..
