| We'll Leave the Light on For You: Housing and Harm Reduction in Waterloo Region
OCTOBER 29
1:00 - 4:30 PM
The Waterloo Region Record, Canada Room
160 King Street East, Kitchener
This forum will focus on harm reduction housing options for people who are street-involved and active in their substance use. From a local perspective, it will include an overview of some of the existing housing models to serve this population in Waterloo Region. It will also offer some insight into the gaps and ideas for next steps based on previously held community discussions.
Stephen Bartolo and Jen Boughen from Shepherds of Good Hope in Ottawa will be providing information on the Men’s Enhanced Support Program (formerly MAP) and the Oaks. Chris Gibson from Seaton House will be presenting on key features of the Annex Harm Reduction Program in Toronto. This session is not to be missed!
Stephen is the Senior Manager for Men’s Services and the Oaks Domiciliary Hostel at the Shepherds of Good Hope. He has been with the organization since 2001. His programs specialize in meeting individuals where they are at it life; this is done in a non-judgmental, compassionate way and creates a sense of community and belonging. The Managed Alcohol Program is renowned around the world as being an extremely successful harm reduction based program that reduces emergency services, decreases community disruption, and restores dignity to the individual.
Jennifer is the Program Coordinator for the Oaks Domiciliary Hostel at the Shepherds of Good Hope. She has been with the organization since 2007. The Oaks Program provides a supportive living environment and specialized programs for 55 residents. Of these 55 residents, 30 residents participate in the graduated and stabilized managed alcohol program, 15 residents are ‘aging at home’ residents who have been or at risk of living in the emergency shelter system. Lastly, 10 residents of the Oaks are referred via the Oaks partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association. These 10 residents are tenants covered under the Landlord and Tenants Act and are provided support and assistance on an as requested basis. All the programs specialize in meeting individuals where they are at it life; utilizing individual case plans and working with the residents to build a sense of community, dignity and independence.
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