Welcoming Streets – REACH Niagara

Welcoming Streets Initiative

Overview

This program focuses on fostering community connections in public spaces of downtown St. Catharines by ensuring individuals have access to necessary supports. It aims to improve neighborhood conditions by reviving a sense of community and positive street culture where people work together to support one another. The program prioritizes safety, builds relationships and facilitates connections to network service providers. Through communication and positive interactions, it seeks to reduce stigma and stereotypes while building a more inclusive and supportive community.

Who is the program for?

All efforts through this program are focused on helping those living on the streets or those congregating in the downtown area of St. Catharines as well as those who run programs or operate business within this service area.

How can people access the program?

Welcoming streets operates 5 days a week Monday-Friday: 8:00 am-4:00 pm. Our team of outreach workers and allied peer support workers can be found at various locations and on foot throughout the neighbourhood. Keep an eye out for our team members in ‘WSI’ high visibility shirts and sweaters.

For more information please email: wsi@reachniagara.com or call 905-981-4283

What are the benefits?

Welcoming streets helps identify and deal with issues before they escalate. Ultimately leading to less crime, demand on first responders and safer streets for everyone. Other program benefits include:

Providing information, resources, and skills-building for the community
Building positive relationships with neighbourhoods, businesses, and police services
Giving a voice to a marginalized and fractured street community
Reducing stigma and re-connecting neighbourhoods

Collaborative Effort

The Welcoming Streets Initiative is a collaborative program between Positive Living Niagara and REACH Niagara.

About Positive Living Niagara

Positive Living Niagara supports individuals at-risk and affected by HIV, HCV, STBBIs and substance use within the Niagara Region by offering an array of HIV support services for individuals and family members, and harm reduction programs through the StreetWorks program. Through core programs and strong partnerships, people are able to have access to a suite of services to meet their diverse needs.

Learn more about Positive Living Here: www.positivelivingniagara.com

About REACH Niagara

REACH Niagara (Regional Essential Access to Connected Healthcare) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization based in Niagara, Ontario, dedicated to improving access to healthcare for individuals who are marginalized, underserved, or experiencing homelessness. The organization operates mobile health clinics and collaborates with local partners to provide essential health services, including primary care, mental health counselling, and substance use programming. REACH Niagara’s vision is that all individuals who are homeless or marginalized have equitable access to healthcare in the Niagara Region.