Launching New Homelessness Program amid the COVID 19 Crisis
Hamilton, ON – For immediate release, April 29, 2020.
Mission Services is announcing the launch of its newest program, Housing UP!, which will help men experiencing homelessness in Hamilton to find housing. The program will work with housed and homeless individuals across the city, not just those who access Mission Services.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to assist more individuals experiencing homelessness realize a permanent housing solution that’s right for them,” said Shawn MacKeigan, Director of Men’s Services with Mission Services. “We have been fortunate to bring David Miskiw on board to lead the program development and implementation. David has a wealth of experience in homelessness services and in launching new programs. It has been difficult to start a new program in the midst of the pandemic, but David has risen to the challenge and implemented the program on schedule. With a pandemic that requires so many people to stay at home in order to best stay safe, it is more important now than ever to assist individuals without a home of their own move into independent living where they can best exercise safe social distancing.”
In January, the City of Hamilton awarded Mission Services funding of 1.3 million dollars per year for three years to operate a “Housing First” program beginning in April. The “Housing First” approach to ending homelessness emphasizes quickly rehousing individuals and providing ongoing supports to ensure they maintain their housing.
Housing UP! Case Managers will provide support for up to two years after an initial housing placement, rehousing individuals into the accommodations they want, and connecting them to community resources to ensure they maintain their housing status.
The allocation of this funding recognizes the sound program stewardship that Mission Services has demonstrated in other program areas and its history of delivering the desired outcomes for homelessness-serving programs.
“Mission Services is committed to being leaders in Hamilton’s plan to reduce chronic homelessness by 2025 and ultimately ending homelessness,” says Carol Cowan-Morneau, Mission Services’ Executive Director. “We are excited to launch this program and to work with community partners to help men experiencing homelessness in Hamilton.”
For more information, please contact:
Shawn MacKeigan
Director of Men’s Services
(905) 528-7635 Ext 4208
SMacKeigan@mission-services.com
About Us:
Mission Services of Hamilton has provided hope and opportunity for people experiencing poverty, marginalization and homelessness for almost 60 years. By putting into practice a mission to act justly, show mercy, and offer hope, Mission Services works to create healthy communities where everyone has access to good food, safe housing, and opportunities for tomorrow.
Find the PDF version of this release here.
