Lambton County launches homelessness information campaign

A new public information campaign by Lambton County aims to increase awareness of the cause and impact of homelessness, and show what’s being done to help.

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The campaign, Be Part of the Solution, is “aptly named,” said Ian Hanney, supervisor for homelessness prevention for the county.

“Folks are wanting to learn more, folks are wanting to do something,” Hanney said. “They want change in their community.”

Along with a website, www.lambtononline.ca/bepartofthesolutionthe campaign will use handsouts and social media to share information with residents.

Sarah Churchill, a community engagement specialist with the county’s social services division, said awareness of the need for more public information came out of a Stronger Together summit held locally in 2013, as well as an increase in individuals experiencing homelessness.

In August, there were 210 individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in Lambton, according to the county.

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“As we see more folks outside and more folks experiencing housing insecurity, we want to answer questions from the community and address misconceptions about homelessness,” Churchill said.

“We know things like relationship and family breakdown, gender-based violence and health issues can lead individuals to become unhoused, but also the compound impact of the housing crisis, the cost-of-living crisis, and ongoing opioid crisis cannot be ignored when talking about the root causes of homelessness,” she said.

Lambton County administers funding from the federal and provincial governments, as well as the county, to respond to homelessness and works with local agencies to provide services.

Those agencies, as well as individuals who have experienced homelessness, were involved in creating the campaign intended to aid basic understanding of homelessness and its causes, as well as highlight work being done locally to address it, Hanney said.

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Also highlighted by the campaign is the impact homelessness has on the health of individuals, Churchill said.

“These individuals are dying at a rate two to three times higher than the average Canadian and we’re losing members of the community as early as 34 years old,” she said.

The campaign also looks at the costs of individuals experiencing homelessness using hospitals, correctional facilities and shelters, compared to the cost of prevention, such as social and supportive housing, she said.

“Being part of the solution is the cornerstone of this campaign,” and there are links for individuals and groups wishing to get involved, Churchill said.

Also on the website are videos of front-line staff talking about their experiences working with individuals in the community.

“We want this to be used by community members who are asking questions, who have concerns and who want to help,” Churchill said.

“The more information we provide, about the struggle out there, is for everyone’s benefit,” said Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley.

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