​Community invited to Homelessness and Co-ordinated Access virtual forum

Bruce and Grey counties will host a virtual Homelessness and Co-ordinated Access community forum, Nov. 12, inviting community members to learn about local efforts to address homelessness and connect people with housing supports.

The forum will explore current homelessness challenges in Grey-Bruce and discuss co-ordinated solutions. Attendees will hear from Grey County, Bruce County, YMCA Owen Sound Grey-Bruce staff, and community partners.

“Homelessness is a complex issue that requires collaboration across counties, agencies, and the community,” said Tina Metcalfe, director of human services for Bruce County. “By working together, we can better connect individuals and families to the right supports at the right time and create pathways to stable housing.”

The Grey-Bruce Community Safety and Well-Being Planning initiative is the event host and sponsor. The forum will feature presentations and discussions on a range of critical topics, including:
 

• Prevention supports and early intervention services 
• Emergency shelter programs and crisis response 
• Encampment outreach and community safety approaches 
• Transitional and supportive housing options 
• Coordinated Access and the By-Name List system 

“This forum is an opportunity for our community to gather, learn about the co-ordinated efforts under way, and be part of the conversation on how we can collectively address homelessness,” said Anne Marie Shaw, director of community services for Grey County. “We value community input and encourage everyone to participate, ask questions, and help shape our shared path forward.”

The virtual forum runs Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 6:30-8 p.m. A virtual meeting link will be sent by E-mail to registered participants one week before the forum. Participation is free, but you must register in advance. Community members are encouraged to submit questions on-line and register before Oct. 31.