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 – Jan. 9, 2023
QUESTION:
“Are there any support services available to help the homeless in Burlington?”
ANSWER:
Most of the support services for those experiencing homelessness in Burlington come through the Region of Halton.
Housing assistance in the City of Burlington is administrated through Halton Region as housing falls under the jurisdiction of Regional government. Two of the programs available are:
- Halton Housing Help (HHH): provides assistance to would-be renters in locating safe, affordable housing across Halton, available through 311. HHH offers a rental listing service which includes affordable rental accommodation across Halton; and
- Housing Stability Fund: Once affordable accommodations are secured, Halton Region is able to assist with last month’s rent as well as moving/storage costs, as may be appropriate.
All homelessness prevention services are continuing to be delivered by the Region by appointment only. To book an appointment, please email accesshalton@halton.ca or call 311. For emergency shelter programs, please call 311.
If you see a person who is homeless, we encourage you to call Halton’s 311 number and let them know the location of the individual — this can help Regional staff locate the person and offer temporary housing to them, particularly if the weather can become an increased danger to health. The Region’s program has agreements in place with some local hotels and motels for emergency situations when needed. Sadly, staff have let us know that often when the help that is available, is offered, it is turned down by the individual for various reasons.
If you know of someone who is experiencing homelessness, encourage them to reach out to Halton Region directly for assistance — help is available.
Additionally, Halton Regional Police Service’s COAST program (standing for Crisis Outreach and Support Team) serves Halton residents who are experiencing mental health concerns, and/or are in crisis, with immediate outreach and support.
COAST is made up of a team of health care professionals and Halton police officers trained in mental health and crisis intervention.
The COAST Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-877-825-9011.
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