We must focus on providing shelter for those who don’t have it and provide the necessary programs and services to help vulnerable people get back on their feet. That is where the Outreach Centre plays a role.
An improved system of care is needed deal with the rise in homelessness and complex mental health and addictions issues and to prevent further increases.
The Community Outreach Centre opened in 2020 and serviced about 90 clients. That client list has more than quadrupled in a few short years. The centre has been operated by the Adventure Group since 2022.
The centre is meant to help people facing homelessness and/or housing insecurity get access to the services they need, such as counselling, employment, and housing. But its current location on Euston Street is not the best place for it.
The Community Outreach Centre will relocate to 15 Park Street and the current centre on Euston Street will close.
This will be a temporary location for one year to allow the necessary time to build a model of care that uses a Housing First approach and strikes a balanced approach that considers the needs of vulnerable islanders and the community.
The Province will work with the operators of the centre, the Senior Advisor for Complex/Vulnerable Islanders, community partners, clients, and neighbours to make a successful transition to the Park Street location.
A security presence will be maintained at the Euston Street property after it relocates and the Province will review ways to repurpose the property in consultation with the surrounding communities.
As part of the Province's long-term plans to support Islanders with complex needs, the Senior Advisor has provided her recommendations. Read the report. [PDF]
