4.3 Opportunities for Improvement
Possible Solutions, Policy Changes, or New Programs in London, Ontario
1. Policy Changes in London, Ontario
1.1. Expanding Housing First Policies
First homes strategy is an important one to stop homelessness because it is focused on giving people stable, permanent housing regardless of their employment or sobriety. Its first step is to give people a home, and then supportive services that are individually designed to address each person’s personal needs, such as mental health counselling, drug treatment, or job placement.
Explanation: Housing First policies have been proven to be effective in Ontario cities like Toronto and Hamilton. For example, in Hamilton, the implementation of Housing First reduced chronic homelessness by 53% in five years (Gaetz, 2013). Increasing the scale of Housing First programs in London may be able to enable people who have been homeless to leave shelters and enter permanent housing, lowering their risk of the homeless cycle. This is especially relevant for people who face a variety of barriers to housing, such as mental illness, addiction, or discrimination in rental markets.
Example: The London Cares society in London, Ontario, can get more engaged with city housing authorities so that people are placed in permanent homes before other issues develop. That will also free up critical shelter space for individuals who need it now.
2. New Programs to Address Homelessness in London
2.1. Mobile Outreach Teams in London
To aggressively seek out homeless and at-risk individuals, mobile outreach teams may be sent out across London. Composed generally of social workers, peer specialists, and medical professionals, the teams offer individuals direct help, link them to housing options, and treat acute health issues like substance abuse or mental health emergencies.
Explanation: Studies have shown that mobile outreach programs can significantly reduce engagement barriers for individuals who may not seek help from traditional service providers (Somers et al., 2017). To keep people from being permanently homeless, mobile outreach teams in Vancouver have increased the number of people obtaining housing and healthcare services. With outreach teams operating in places where homelessness is frequently more noticeable, like Victoria Park or along the Thames River, London may adopt this concept.
Example: More staff with substance abuse treatment training and mental health crisis intervention would be added to London’s outreach team of London Cares so that people might be helped right where they live, whether that is on the streets or in temporary shelters.
2.2. Job Training and Employment Programs in London
It is crucial to offer job training programs specifically designed for those who have been homeless to assist them in obtaining steady employment, which in turn promotes long-term housing stability. High-demand industries, including information technology, healthcare, and construction, may offer training programs.
Explanation: Finding a job is one of the most effective methods of preventing repeated homelessness. A program like London’s Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU), which offers job training for youth at risk, can be set up for the homeless. These programs can cover interview skills, resume-writing classes, and actual placement with local businesses that are willing to give someone a chance.
Example: A partnership with local construction companies or tech firms could offer apprenticeships or internships to homeless individuals, giving them both work experience and a pathway to permanent employment.
3. Community Solutions in London, Ontario
3.1. Service Integration through Community Hubs
Developing community centers where people can receive a variety of services under one roof will make it possible for homeless people to have access to all the services they require in one place and eliminate service delivery fragmentation. Food, housing, health care, legal aid, and employment assistance are some of the services that can be included in such centers.
Explanation: Research shows that integrated service models can improve outcomes for people who are experiencing homelessness by reducing barriers to access (Homelessness Partnering Strategy, 2017). A centralized community hub in London would allow individuals to access various services without needing to travel across the city, which can be a significant barrier for those without transportation or stable housing.
Example: The London Homeless Coalition could spearhead the creation of such a hub, collaborating with local agencies like Merrymount and London Cares, to provide shelter, healthcare, mental health services, and other support services.
3.2. Strengthening Local Partnerships
A more sustainable care system might be created by broadening the role of companies, religious organizations, and local community groups in supporting homeless people. These organizations might increase their provision of long-term support, including job training, housing placement services, and mentorship programs, as well as the short-term housing and food they already provide.
Explanation: To combat homelessness on a comprehensive and sustainable basis, local alliances are essential. Emergency shelters have been accomplished in Ontario because of alliances with religious groups; however, expanding such initiatives to cover long-term housing support programs would dramatically cut the homeless roll.
Example: The London Homeless Coalition could partner with local businesses and faith organizations to develop mentorship programs or offer low-cost job placements to individuals who are currently homeless.
