Huron County has launched its Bridge Housing and Stability Program aimed to help prevent and address homelessness in Huron County.
The program which will begin in November is a collaborative effort with the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services.
The program initially started with Out of the Cold, an initiative which offered seasonal overnight accommodation and support from 8pm-8am.
In 2022 the program moved to the Motel Model to provide seasonal 24 hour emergency shelter and support.
Huron County Warden Glen McNeil expressed his enthusiasm for the program stating in a release, this model is a great step forward in preventing and addressing homelessness.
Huron County Bridge Housing Quick Facts
The Bridge Housing program will provide a safe environment for individuals to
obtain much needed rest, food, and connection to appropriate services.
14 Bridge Housing beds will be made available (6 beds provided by CMHA HP
and 8 beds provided by the County of Huron)
Participants in the program will have a maximum stay of three months to work
with the CMHA HP stability staff on goal setting and housing acquisition.
The program will provide a home environment where staff can support clients
with activities of daily living. With access to a kitchen, staff will be able to
further enhance and build skills with clients such as meal planning, cooking,
cleaning, and general housekeeping responsibilities.
Huron’s Housing Stability Team will continue to support both Bridge Housing
and provide individual case management of those experiencing homelessness,
with up to 100 case management spaces each year.