Campaign Bringing Awareness to Housing Stability & Homelessness

[South Huron, ON] A new social media campaign is being launched in Huron County to bring awareness and educate the community about Housing Stability & Homelessness. This campaign is a part of the Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan for Huron that was established by the lower-tier municipalities in 2021 (Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, Municipality of Bluewater, Municipality of Central Huron, Town of Goderich, Township of Howick, Municipality of Huron East, Municipality of Morris-Turnberry, Township of North Huron, and the Municipality of South Huron). 

The Housing Stability and Homelessness campaign is the fourth and final CSWB information campaign for 2024 – a timely release as this campaign connects all other priority areas identified in the CSWB Plan that were highlighted throughout the year. 

The overall messaging for this campaign is focused around shifting the way our communities view homelessness - through debunking the myths, changing the way we think about how a person may have ended up unhoused, and understanding the larger systematic issues so that we can all Be Part of the Solution. 

“The complexities of homelessness in Huron have continued to increase as the nationwide housing crisis unfolds. We know that housing with supports offers the best possible sustainable outcomes, especially for those in the greatest depth of need who are often unable to resolve their homelessness without assistance”, says Erin Schooley, Homelessness Programs Supervisor. 

Catherine Hardman, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth (CMHA HP) Addiction and Mental Health Services stresses the importance of a housing first model to provide adequate support to an individual, “the Bridge Housing and Stability Program in collaboration with Huron County aims to immediately transition vulnerable individuals out of homelessness and into a temporary living space that provides stability. This model provides housing first for individuals experiencing homelessness, creating a home environment where additional supports can then be offered”.

Homelessness can affect every aspect of life, including family well-being and all aspects of health. In August 2024, at least 20 families were experiencing homelessness in Huron County. It is often difficult for families to remain together during one of the most difficult times of their lives, in the same space, as they manage their homelessness. By speaking up for affordable housing in your community, the focus of United Way’s latest campaign ‘Speak up for Housing’, you may be helping a family remain together.

If you are someone you know needs help – reach out. There are several supports that 
are only a phone call away:
• 211 Ontario (call or text 2-1-1, or visit online)
• Crisis Line (24/7): 1-888-829-7484
• Huron County Social & Property Services: 519-482-8505
• Local connection centres in Huron (providing emergency basic needs and vital 
community services):
o Exeter: 519-235-2991
o Wingham: 519-271-6819 extension 309
The campaign will start October 1st, 2024, and be pushed out by all lower-tier municipalities, and the agencies and organizations involved in the Community Safety and Well-Being for Huron Oversight Committee. 

For questions or more information about this campaign, please contact: 
Stacey Jeffery
Community Relations Manager
Municipality of South Huron
sjeffery@southhuron.ca

For supports and resources related to Housing Stability and Homelessness, visit https://cswbhuron.ca/housing-stability-and-homelessness/

More about the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan for Huron: This plan was established in 2021 through a collaborative effort of all nine lower-tier municipalities. It identified four priority areas of action based on provincial research and community engagement: mental health and addiction; housing stability and homelessness, domestic and family violence, and community security. For more information, please visit www.cswbhuron.ca.