From:
United Way Perth-Huron County of Huron
32 Erie Street, Stratford ON N5A 2M4 1 Courthouse Square, Goderich, ON N7A 1M2
1-877-818-8867 (toll-free) 519-271-7730 (T) 1-888-524-8394 (toll-free) 519-524-8394 (T)
Goderich, ON — As part of ongoing efforts to address the issue of chronic homelessness in Huron, the County of Huron and United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) are proud to announce the hiring of a new Housing Advocate to help local people experiencing homelessness.
“We have been working hard with our partners to get to this point,” said Jim Ginn, Warden for the County of Huron. “To be able to announce this hiring is a testament to the passion and commitment of the Huron community to address homelessness locally.”
Helping fund a Housing Advocate in Huron County is the latest piece in the County and UWPH’s ongoing work with community partners in the region to tackle the issue of chronic homelessness. In 2016, the County created the Huron Turning Point Residence, a transition home for men in Exeter, and continues to fund the peer support work and support services for all clients using this program. Last year, UWPH helped raise funds for three additional beds at Huron Turning Point, along with continuing to help provide prevention and support services for youth and women. UWPH is also working on longer-term solutions through Basic Income and Living Wage advocacy and a hub/supportive housing feasibility study.
Addressing chronic homelessness is critical to the health of the community. Without stable housing, it’s impossible to address health issues, secure income and obtain employment. The Housing Advocate works with tenants and landlords to ensure the best possible housing outcomes for those experiencing homelessness; working with tenants to find the supports they need so their tenancy is successful and landlords to develop and maintain relationships. In 2018, the County of Huron conducted a homeless enumeration where over 100 people identified themselves as experiencing homelessness. However, over 80 per cent of homelessness is hidden, meaning many more local people are coping with this challenge.
“Hiring a Housing Advocate in Huron is another positive step towards eliminating the #UNIGNORABLE issue of chronic homelessness in Huron,” said UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb. “Together with our partners at the County, we’re proud to play a role in this project and look forward to seeing the impact the Housing Advocate’s work can have in Huron.”
About United Way Perth-Huron
UWPH is a 100% local organization working to address #UNIGNORABLE issues like poverty, homelessness and social isolation in our communities. Thanks to United Way and people across the region, over 39,000 of the most vulnerable in Perth and Huron Counties have a brighter future. To show your #LocalLove by donating or volunteering, call 519-271-7730 or 1-877-818-8867, mail to 32 Erie Street, Stratford, ON N5A 2M4 or visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca
For more information or to set up an interview with Susan Faber, Director Communications, contact (519) 575-6419 or email info@perthhuron.unitedway.ca