A response team made up of multiple services in Norfolk County is continuing to work with those living with homelessness.
With the Norfolk County OPP, Community Mobilization Officer Jay Eberley works with the team to address local homelessness issues and identify the individuals in the community to attempt to connect them with services.
Since mid-July this team has responded to and cleaned up over 12 encampments in the Simcoe and surrounding area, including locations in the Lynn Valley Trail and Brook Conservation Area.
If someone at the encampment refuses services, which police say is often the case, a plan is made to move them from the area and clean up the space.
The team includes staff from the Haldimand Norfolk Social Service Emergency Housing Program, Norfolk County By-Law division, Norfolk County Parks and Roads department, and Norfolk County Paramedic Services Paramedicine Program.
Church Out Serving is planning to open the warming centre again this winter, pending funding.
We will provide updates as soon as information on that service becomes available.
Written by Ashley Taylor