Wrap-around services to help break the cycle of chronic homelessness are being provided on-site at Northern Pines.
The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board says they’ve teamed up with the Crisis Centre North Bay and North Bay Regional Health Centre to provide a variety of medical, psychological and emotional support services at the Chippewa Street transitional housing complex.
“As the service system manager for housing in Nipissing District, DNSSAB applauds the partners’ willingness to participate in this unique model and for arriving at a creative, suitable plan to provide wrap-around services to clients,” says Mark King, DNSSAB Chair.
Crisis centre staff are on-site 24/7 to provide independent life skills training, one-on-one counselling, cooperative living skills, nutrition education, meal planning and preparation, community awareness, and structured tenancy.
“No one organization can solve the issues surrounding homelessness, mental health, and addictions – we need to be working together,” says Sue Rinneard, Executive Director, Crisis Centre North Bay. “Our clients need integrated care with community supports in one environment. We are excited to be a part of a system that is going to combine health and housing, providing a much-needed wrap around approach for our community’s most vulnerable.”
One of the regional health centre’s two Assertive Community Treatment Teams, led by a psychiatrist, will operate out of Northern Pines.
The multidisciplinary team provides coverage in the community 16 hours per day, 7 days per week with after-hours on-call coverage.
On-site addiction supports will also be provided on a scheduled monthly basis, through the health centre’s mobile Rapid Access Addiction Medicine clinic.
“We’re proud to team up with the Crisis Centre and DNSSAB to improve mental health service efficiency and access for people experiencing homelessness,” says Paul Heinrich, President and CEO, NBRHC. “This collaboration between community partners is an example of making our current investments work better for the people who need it most in a location that best meets their needs.”
DNSSAB’s Community Paramedicine Program will also provide services on-site at Northern Pines, including health assessments, point-of-care testing, vaccinations, and blood work.
