The Housing First model for homelessness in Smiths Falls and Lanark County continues to develop to assist the growing problem of housing insecurity.
Tom McKenna, is Manager of Mental Health Services at Lanark County Mental Health, and oversees Bridge House.
In conversation with our Lynda D’Aoust, McKenna says the county operates a “By Name” list keeping track of the number of households experiencing homelessness. McKenna adds, the numbers speak for themselves.
McKenna says Lanark County offers a spectrum of options in its housing strategy. One of them is the aforementioned Bridge House in Smiths Falls which offers immediate housing under the Housing First plan.
McKenna says Bridge House offers a wide-variety of supports and has certainly seen success, but it is still developing.
He adds that they’d also be open to enhancing other supports for people experiencing homelessness.
As for the Bridge House he says they celebrate successes of all sizes with the people they help. McKenna says a conversation with one resident spoke volumes.
Residents have moved on to live independently in the community.
McKenna says it’s nice to hear that clients are doing well and being supported, especially when it’s backed up by successful data.
You can listen to the complete conversation between Lynda D’Aoust and Tom McKenna below.