Lambton County's Integrated Homelessness Prevention Team is being recognized for its work in human services integration and service system management.
The team recently accepted a Local Municipal Champion Award from the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association during a conference in Ottawa.
“The County of Lambton developed the Integrated Homelessness Prevention Team to support integration efforts and meet the needs of the increasing number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Social Services Division General Manager Valerie Colasanti. “We’re thrilled that the Team’s ongoing hard work is being recognized through this award. The team, made up of staff from both the Ontario Works and Homelessness Prevention departments, uses an innovative intensive case management model to help people exit the emergency shelter system, provide stability support, and secure housing.”
As a result of the award, the Integrated Homelessness Prevention Team was invited to participate in a panel discussion about their work.
County Supervisor of Homelessness Prevention and Social Planning Ian Hanney highlighted their success in developing a quality by-name list, using the Homeless Individual and Families System, and their efforts to support other communities in using this tool.
This list helps link individuals and families with support services within the community.
“The creation of this team not only resulted in a significant reduction in those experiencing homelessness but was also part of a catalyst in working to make tremendous gains in the service system that supports the homelessness sector as we move forward,” said Colasanti in a statement. “This successful initiative has demonstrated that an integrated approach to Service System Management can improve the lives of the individuals and families we provide services to within our communities.”
Earlier this year, the County of Lambton hosted an event with community partners to discuss the issues surrounding housing, homelessness, and addictions. As specified during the meeting, more than 240 people experienced some form of homelessness, according to the county’s by-name list.
