Starting this fall, new and enhanced people centered services such as hygiene facilities, Indigenous outreach, new mobile services, and other supports will be delivered to unsheltered homeless people on the North Shore.
This will be done through a multi-partner regional approach funded by $1.97-million in federal and provincial Safe Restart funding.
The City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver and District of West Vancouver will use the funds to partner with Squamish Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Lookout Housing and Health Society and North Vancouver City Library to improve the health and safety of unsheltered homeless people on the North Shore.
The project’s approach is tailored to the needs of the North Shore, where the unsheltered homeless population tends to move between communities and receives support from a variety of agencies.
Work will begin in September on a series of initiatives intended to connect unsheltered homeless people with services and build the regional capacity and partnerships necessary to create a long-term impact.
Activities will include:
An Urban Indigenous Outreach Team delivered through a partnership between Squamish Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Lookout Housing and Health Society, with dedicated staff providing culturally-appropriate services to all Indigenous individuals
A Mobile Outreach and Services Team delivered by Lookout Housing and Health Society, with a staffed mobile unit equipped with basic hygiene and health facilities providing access to services on a flexible basis
Fixed-location services delivered by the three municipalities and North Vancouver City Library based on area needs, such as sanitation for those living in vehicles and boats, basic hygiene facilities, and warming and cooling centres. These services may be new or a continuation/enhancement of existing arrangements
Improved coordination, community engagement and training, including temporary staffing to oversee initiatives and training in culturally safe and trauma-informed responses for front-line staff
Such a great initiative. Thanks for reporting on this Gagandeep.