Introduction to Welcoming Streets
In alignment with Durham Region’s Street Outreach Strategy, our Welcoming Streets Case Managers, use housing first philosophies as a foundation embedded within our programs. Our team supports individuals who are unsheltered and offer continued support with the goal of maintaining housing. We submit vacancy forms to pull individuals from the by-name list; which is overseen by CDCD. Our case managers recognize supports should be on a continuum that account for three distinct areas in which a participant will navigate within the street outreach supports sector. Durham Region’s Street Outreach Strategy works as an “umbrella” to different approaches that align community partners who are working towards the Built for Zero Initiative empowered by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness.
Intensive Case Managment (ICM)
The goal of Case Management is to empower people to strengthen their skillset and capabilities with the goal of improved quality of life. Through wrap-around support offered in a timely manner, the necessary support can be put in place in hopes of reducing the participants’ risk of homelessness and/or help achieve housing stability. Our staff assist participants with finding and securing permanent housing while providing Intensive Case Management, Crisis Intervention, life skills training and housing retention based on the participant’s needs. Recognizing that a participant’s acuity should decrease over time with the support of intense case management, the participant will graduate from intensive case management supports and be given the opportunity to engage in our Housing Retention/After-Care program.
After-Care
Upon graduation from Welcoming Streets ICM Program, our optional After-Care program offers long-term, less intense case management to ensure housing stability. After-Care provides continued empowerment for participants to feel supported through their journey of homeless to housed. The After-Care worker will encourage continued personal growth while providing opportunities for positive peer social interactions as we recognize the importance of one’s community and their relationships within it. Throughout the After-Care program, the worker will provide various supports for participants depending on their specific needs. Participants may also participate in social events or outings.
For more information contact our Welcoming Streets Team at 289-927-5059