Homelessness Hub Opens In Leamington

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The County of Essex and Family Services Windsor-Essex officially a Homelessness Hub in Leamington on Friday. The new hub will provide support and services to residents in Essex County struggling to find accommodations amidst an accelerating housing and homelessness crisis.

“The Essex County Homelessness Hub will provide vital supports to the residents who need it most, offering them hope and a hand up, and it reflects the reality that the housing and homelessness crisis is not simply a big city problem,” said Warden Gary McNamara. “The County continues to grow and we need support services like this and others to cater to our growing population and ensure no one is left behind.”

The County has embarked on a two-year pilot project with Family Services Windsor-Essex to open and operate a homelessness hub in the South Essex Community Council building at 215 Talbot Street East in Leamington. Family Services Windsor Essex is a non-profit, charitable organization with strong links to other community service providers and extensive experience in providing counselling and support services.

The Hub opened on September 12th and officials say has experienced consistent usage by individuals seeking guidance and assistance. Its profile is growing in the community as Family Services Windsor-Essex leverages existing connections with multiple service agencies and faith leaders.

The hub is open Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Visitors can access food, restrooms, clothing, quiet spaces for daytime rest as well as computers and phones. The hub will also serve, during operating hours, as a safe and accessible shelter during extreme weather conditions.

Services offered at the Hub include housing search assistance, enrolment in government income support programs such as Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), referrals to other local community agencies, access to harm reduction services, and help for individuals to meet additional basic needs like food security and clothing.