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Sarnia, ON – The County’s Integrated Homelessness Prevention Team accepted a Local Municipal Champion Award from the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) at the 2023 Exchange Conference held in Ottawa last week.
These awards recognize exceptional work done in advancing excellence in human services integration and service system management by teams from Consolidated Municipal Service Managers and District Social Services Administration Boards across the province.
“The County of Lambton developed the Integrated Homelessness Prevention Team to support integration efforts and meet the needs of the increasing number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Valerie Colasanti, General Manager, Social Services Division. “We’re thrilled that the Team’s ongoing hard work is being recognized through this award. The Team, made up of staff from both the Ontario Works and Homelessness Prevention departments, uses an innovative intensive case management model to help people exit the emergency shelter system, provide stability supports, and secure housing.”
As an award winner, the County was invited to participate in a presentation and panel discussion highlighting the team’s work. Ian Hanney, Supervisor, Homelessness Prevention and Social Planning for the County of Lambton, highlighted the County’s program and was able to share more about the Team’s ongoing efforts through a panel discussion alongside representatives from the City of Windsor, District of Thunder Bay, and City of Ottawa.
The Team has been successful at developing a quality by-name list using the Homeless Individual and Families System (HIFIS), and in supporting community partners in using these valuable tools as well.
Through this work, individuals and families continue to be linked to support services within the community, including but not limited to primary health care, harm reduction services, and mental health supports. Relationships and communications were enhanced internally and with key community partners, and the Team has been successful in transitioning over 230 people into safe, affordable, and permanent housing since its formation.
“The creation of this Team not only resulted in a significant reduction in those experiencing homelessness but was also part of a catalyst in working to make tremendous gains in the service system that supports the homelessness sector as we move forward,” Colasanti continued. “This successful initiative has demonstrated that an integrated approach to Service System Management can improve the lives of the individuals and families we provide services to within our communities.”
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Please contact:
Valerie Colasanti
General Manager, Social Services Division
County of Lambton
519-344-2062 ext. 2010
Email Valerie Colasanti
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