This is the 43rd in a series of columns written by staff from The Lighthouse to help the community better understand people experiencing homelessness and those who support them. This column appears every other Monday.
As we step into the new year, it’s more than just the flip of a calendar — it’s an opportunity for a fresh start.
Many use this time to set goals, resolutions, and good intentions, driven by a powerful motivation to improve. To have a lasting impact, it’s essential to stay grounded in the reasons behind these actions, ensuring long-term success.
In the homelessness sector, the work continues as we evaluate the best way to serve people who are experiencing homelessness.
The Lighthouse is committed to addressing urgent community challenges like the affordable housing crisis and the opioid crisis, and the overall issues that can come along with homelessness. We will continue to work with local communities and all levels of government to develop effective solutions.
Short-term solutions include immediate support, such as shelter, food, and harm reduction services as well as working with the community to address situations resulting from a lack of housing and substance use disorders.
Medium-term solutions will include programs focused on affordable housing, strengthening partnerships for participants to access job training, mental health, and addiction recovery. And, long term, we will continue advocating for systemic change and sustainable community support.
The following are some of the services provided by The Lighthouse and our community partners. The Lighthouse’s services range from emergency shelter to supportive housing to street outreach and warming centre services. Wherever people are in their housing journey, The Lighthouse is here to come alongside them and help them move forward.
Emergency shelter and community services
The emergency shelter program provides immediate, temporary accommodations for a total of 58 men, women and youth who have nowhere else to turn. Services include access to a medical clinic, mental health services, spiritual support, technology, nutritious food, and support for people in their housing search. Daytime services to community members include a bagged lunch program, shower and laundry access, access to technology, and connections to housing supports.
Supportive housing
Supportive housing assists up to 20 individuals who can stay up to four years less a day as they do the necessary work to secure and maintain housing. This program primarily serves people who have experienced chronic homelessness. Through the supportive housing program, people have their own bachelor apartment where they build skills and receive support to overcome the barriers they face in securing stable housing, eventually becoming housed permanently in the community.
Adult and youth outreach
Outreach services are available for both youth and adults. Outreach workers build trust and rapport with people who are sleeping on the streets, in encampments, or couch surfing. The goal is to support people in their housing search while ensuring their safety and well-being. Outreach services include referrals to additional resources and the provision of basic necessities such as snacks, water, hygiene items, socks, harm reduction supplies and more.
Warming centre
The warming centre is open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. in December through April when temperatures drop to -10 degrees Celsius or during significant weather events. Operating out of the Orillia Community Church at 64 Colborne St. E., the warming centre ensures people have a safe place to stay warm overnight through the winter. Participants may also receive information about additional resources as well as drinks and snacks during their time there.
All of the above services are rooted in The Lighthouse’s vision of a thriving community where everyone has hope, home and future. We want to see everyone in our community — whether they are young, old, struggling with mental health challenges or substance use, or lacking family connections — have access to safe, affordable housing.
As we begin a new year, The Lighthouse remains committed to serving our community and supporting people who are experiencing homelessness in their journey toward housing. Together, we can continue to offer hope. Will you join us?
Visit orillialighthouse.ca for ways to get involved through volunteering, donating, or attending an event.
Linda Goodall is the executive director at The Lighthouse and can be reached at [email protected].
Rosemary Petersen is the managing director at The Lighthouse and can be reached at [email protected].
