Mayor’s Monday Mailbag – Nov. 13, 2023 – Homelessness Encampments & Supports Available

Mayor's Mailbag
Written By

Welcome to the Mayor’s Monday Mailbag, an initiative Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and the Mayor’s Office launched to share weekly answers to questions from the public we’ve received through our main email inbox at mayor@burlington.ca or the Mayor’s social media platforms.At the end of the month, we publish a roundup of those most pressing questions we’ve received in the weeks prior.Mayor’s Monday Mailbag – Nov. 13, 2023QUESTION:"What is the City of Burlington doing to respond to homelessness encampments and to support people at-risk of or experiencing homelessness?”ANSWER:Every individual has the right to safe, dignified, permanent and affordable housing.Housing supports and services is overseen by the Region of Halton and the City of Burlington works in partnership with the Region in its efforts to support individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.Halton provides a variety of emergency shelter options, support services and assistance finding more permanent housing. Support is always available for individuals who are willing to accept it. If you know someone who is experiencing homelessness or sleeping outside:

  • Email outreach@halton.ca
  • Call 1-866-442-5866

For more information on housing supports and services, please visit halton.ca/housingWomen, couples and families in need of shelter can call 311 or 365-292-3554. Men in need of shelter can call 311 or 905-339-2918.Bridging the Gap is a program funded by the Region of Halton that strives to provide readily- and easily-accessible support for youth between the ages of 16-24 residing in any of Halton's municipalities who are, or are at-risk of, experiencing homelessness. Bridging the Gap is 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly, and committed to fostering a youth directed, strength-based approach to assisting youth in achieving their goals. Contact Bridging the Gap at 905-635-0663 or toll-free at 877-425-8661, or at info@bridgingthegaphalton.ca To help an individual experiencing a mental health crisis, contact Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) at 877-825-9011. COAST will send a team of experts to meet a homeless individual to provide immediate support.The Region’s outreach workers are always ready to assist individuals experiencing homelessness and to offer shelter supports, however, there are instances where individuals willingly do not accept shelter.Those who do accept shelter can access supports for housing, meals, and storage, as well as supports for their pets.Additionally, the City of Burlington also has a dedicated webpage that includes a list of resources available through the Region, including supports and services for women, families, youth and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Visit: burlington.ca/homelessnessBURLINGTON HOUSING STRATEGYThe City of Burlington’s Council-approved Housing Strategy (June 2022) recognizes the growing issues related to housing options and affordability in Burlington.The Housing Strategy identifies 12 short-term, medium-term and long-term actions for providing housing for all residents in Burlington. It provides a vision for housing in our city where 'Everyone is welcome in Burlington' and includes housing options for all current and future residents that meet their needs at all stages of life, and that are attainable at all income levels.To learn more about Burlington’s Housing Strategy, visit: getinvolvedburlington.ca/housingstrategyADDITIONAL RELATED FAQsQ: There is an unsheltered individual outside of a City recreation centre. Who do I call?A: Residents or business owners should connect directly with the Region to initiate support. Call 1-866-442-5866 or email outreach@halton.ca

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Q: What resources does the City have available to support people at risk of or experiencing homelessness in Burlington?A: Halton Region provides a variety of emergency shelter options, support services and assistance finding more permanent housing. Support is always available to individuals who are to accept. For more information on housing supports and services, visit halton.ca/housingIn the medium- and long-term, the City’s Housing Strategy aims to facilitate attainable housing options to ensure individuals and families of all income levels have access to secure housing. To learn more about Burlington’s Housing Strategy, visit: getinvolvedburlington.ca/housingstrategy

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Q: What happens if an individual declines shelter?A: Halton’s Outreach Workers are always available to assist individuals experiencing homelessness and shelter is always available, but the person needs to willingly accept shelter support. If support is declined, Halton Region does not have the authority to compel the individual to access shelter. Halton’s Outreach Workers will maintain contact with the individual, continue to offer access to shelter and support them with a housing plan where they are located.Those who are currently in need of support should call 311 or e-mail halton@housinghelpcentre.ca

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Q: How can I help a person experiencing homeslessness?A: There is help for homeless individuals in Burlington, supported by Halton Region. If you witness, or there is, someone you know who is experiencing homelessness, please call 1-866-442-5866 or email outreach@halton.ca -- staff will triage clients to determine the best service provider to outreach and respond to the situation, including providing access to the Housing Stability Fund, Emergency Shelter, Halton Housing Help or Bridging the Gap outreach.

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Q: Where can individuals or families find shelter?A: For shelter support for single women, couples and families with children under 17

  • Call 311 or 365-292-3554 for immediate support
  • Support is available 24/7 in Burlington

For shelter support for men

  • Call 311 or 905-339-2918 for immediate support
  • Support is available 24/7 in Oakville

Individuals in shelter receive intensive supports with housing navigation, meals, and storage. Individuals with pets are supported through the Oakville and Milton Humane Society (905-845-1551). There is no cost for this service that is available to all individuals experiencing homelessness in Halton. Individuals and families can regularly visit their pets while in shelter and transportation is provided.For shelter support for youthBridging the Gap is a program funded through the Region of Halton that strives to provide readily and easily accessible support for youth between the ages of 16-24 residing in the Halton Region who are, or are at-risk of, experiencing homelessness. Bridging the Gap is 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly, and committed to fostering a youth directed, strength-based approach to assisting youth in achieving their goals. Bridging the Gap fosters partnerships with service providers in the Halton Region to maintain a positive, reputable, and constructive approach in our service to youth.Contact Bridging the Gap:

  • Monday to Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Call: 905-635-0663 or toll free at 877-425-8661
  • Website: bridgingthegaphalton.ca

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Mayor Meed Ward’s Weekly Update: Nov. 13-19, 2023