- Norfolk: 519-426-6170 or 519-582-3579 | Haldimand: 905-318-6623
June 27, 2022 — Haldimand – Norfolk Homeless Prevention Services will be hosting a community meeting to present the results of the homelessness enumeration project conducted last November.
Homelessness enumeration is a ministry-mandated count, using a Point-in-Time (PiT) approach. This approach requires a coordinated community effort to count the population experiencing homelessness at a given time. Those experiencing homelessness or those believed to be experiencing homelessness are surveyed for the purpose of gathering anonymous data. This data provides a clearer idea of the needs of those facing and/or experiencing homelessness across communities.
The information will be presented on July 6th at 3 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. It will be an opportunity to share findings with volunteers, participants, and interested community members. The results have already been presented to Norfolk County Council and reported to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
To register, please click this link and fill out the form.
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Haldimand-Norfolk Housing and Homelessness Prevention services has teamed up with the community paramedic programs in both Haldimand and Norfolk to provide street outreach and housing-related follow-up support to assist people who are experiencing homelessness.
A new collaboration between community paramedics in both counties and specialized outreach workers reduces barriers to care faced by vulnerable, underserved, and hard-to-reach residents. The goal is to connect people to services they may require, including housing and health care.
“We recognized this as an opportunity to be proactive and meet people where they are, making the services more accessible and responsive,” said Louise Lovell, program manager for Haldimand-Norfolk Homeless Prevention Services. “Combining a social services staff member and a community paramedic offers a wider range of services to more people.”
Sarah Page, chief of Norfolk Paramedic Services, and Jason Gallagher, fire chief and manager of Haldimand Paramedic Services, both expressed praise for this partnership. “Expanding our community paramedicine programs to provide access across our counties to those in need of care outside our normal health care system is what we are striving to accomplish,” said Sarah Page. “Both Chief Gallagher and I recognize that this partnership with Haldimand-Norfolk Social Services highlights our regions’ ability to collaborate and find innovative solutions in rural areas for health care delivery and access to support.”
The pilot began early in 2022 and is expected to continue through the end of the year. The teams are deployed in Haldimand on Tuesdays and Norfolk on Wednesdays. Members of the general public or agencies that have clientele that might be served by a visit can call the following numbers: in Norfolk: 519-426-6170 or 519-582-3579 or in Haldimand: 905-318-6623 at Ext. 3134 and a team can be deployed. Callers are asked to provide a specific location or a description of where they have seen people.
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A reminder to the community that Haldimand-Norfolk Health and Social Services (HNHSS), Homeless Prevention Services, and their community partners, are participating in Ontario’s homelessness enumeration. On November 17 and 18, staff will be in locations across both counties conducting surveys and Point-in-Time Counts.
Enumeration is a method used to capture a better picture of those experiencing homelessness at a period in time. Community members who are currently experiencing homelessness are encouraged to provide input if approached. Participants will receive a small gift bag, and may only complete the survey one time.
Those who were unable to connect with surveyors, and wish to provide input, are encouraged to call and leave a message at 519-426-6170 ext. 3241 or email [email protected].
No names or personal identifiers will be used in the survey; however, participants may provide identifying information in order to be contacted for further support.
Homeless Prevention Services is thankful to community partners who are assisting with enumeration, as well as Community Living Access in Simcoe for their generous donation towards the gift bags. “We really couldn’t have a successful enumeration without the support of our community partners,” said Nicole Wagenaar, enumeration coordinator with Haldimand-Norfolk Homeless Prevention Services. “Haldimand and Norfolk counties are fortunate to have such dedicated community organizations and team members.”
A detailed report will be presented to Council early in 2022 based on the findings.
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October 18, 2021— Haldimand-Norfolk Homeless Prevention Services team, in partnership with Haldimand-Norfolk Health & Social Services, and other community partners, will be conducting homelessness enumeration on November 17 and 18.
Homelessness enumeration is a ministry-mandated count which uses a Point-in-Time (PiT) approach. This approach requires a coordinated community effort to count the population experiencing homelessness at a given time. Those experiencing homelessness or those believed to be experiencing homelessness will be surveyed for the purpose of gathering anonymous data. This data will provide a clearer picture of what the needs are for those at risk for or currently experiencing homelessness.
“We conducted our first enumeration in Haldimand and Norfolk in 2018. The findings led to the creation of the Homeless Prevention Services team,” said Louise Lovell, program manager for Homeless Prevention Services. “Our communities have faced unique economic challenges due to COVID-19, which has put a strain on affordability and availability when it comes to housing. This enumeration will help us determine next steps in preventing, reducing, and ending homelessness across both Haldimand and Norfolk.”
Community members who are currently experiencing homelessness, or those who have family and/or friends who are experiencing homelessness are encouraged to give their input by completing the survey when approached. Small gift bags are available for those who complete the survey.
Donations for items such as hand sanitizer, masks, reusable water bottles, hand wipes, toothpaste, socks, and winter gloves are still needed for the 300 gift bags being assembled. If you or your business have 300 of an item that you wish to donate to the gift bags, please contact Nicole Wagenaar at [email protected] or 519-426-6170 ext. 3241
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