Wesley Builds Support, Stability, and Hope in Halton

As one of the longest-standing charities in the region, Wesley is well-known for the work being done in Hamilton, but did you know that we also have incredible teams of people providing programs and services for community members in Halton?

Now you can say that you do!

Read on to learn more about how Wesley is making positive impacts in the Halton Region, from housing, to health and wellness, to specialized programs for those struggling with hoarding tendencies.

Wesley’s Emergency Supportive Housing Program: Expanding Support and Services in 2024

Wesley’s Emergency Supportive Housing Program (WESHP) has made remarkable strides throughout 2024, continuously adapting to meet the needs of individuals and families in the Halton Region. By expanding staff, adding new services, and addressing gaps in housing and health & wellness, the program is better equipped to serve the growing community. Let’s take a closer look at the exciting developments within our programs.

Strengthening Support with Intensive Case Management

In response to increasing demand, Wesley’s Emergency Supportive Housing Program in Halton has successfully expanded its team. In 2024, the program onboarded two new Intensive Case Management (ICM) positions. These roles have proven invaluable, with the case managers now offering housing-focused support during evenings and weekends. Previously, program participants who had daytime commitments struggled to receive support outside regular hours. Thanks to these new positions, individuals and families can now access the vital housing support they need, no matter their schedule.

These after-hours services ensure that individuals facing housing instability have the resources, guidance, and advocacy they need to maintain stability and work toward long-term housing solutions. This expansion is a direct response to our amazing partnership with Halton Region, and it significantly enhances the accessibility of critical support for those in need.

Introducing Health and Wellness Support

In partnership with Halton Region, Wesley is also proud to announce the introduction of a new Health and Wellness program within the Emergency Supportive Housing initiative. This addition aims to address the growing mental health and wellness needs of individuals and families navigating housing challenges.

The newly created Health and Wellness Worker position provides a crucial resource for program participants, offering a safe, confidential space for people to talk about their challenges and access wellness-focused services. The worker is responsible for conducting assessments to determine vulnerability levels, helping to ensure that individuals are accurately triaged and referred to appropriate mental health services when needed.

This holistic approach to housing and health is a key feature of WESHP’s ongoing mission to offer more than just a roof over participants’ heads; it provides the emotional and mental support necessary for individuals to build a foundation for long-term success.

Expanding Housing Options for Large Families

WESHP has also responded to the growing need for larger accommodations, particularly for families who require more space. Many larger families faced difficulty accessing the program’s existing rooms, as they were often too small to accommodate everyone

comfortably. This issue was compounded by the need to place families in temporary hotel stays, which can be costly and unsustainable.

To solve this problem, Halton Region purchased a house located near the WESHP property, that was specifically designed to accommodate large families. This new space offers three large rooms and the ability to house up to 13 individuals. Program participants can now access a shared kitchen, living room, and large backyard

The flexibility of this new space has allowed WESHP to support not only large families but also single women facing housing instability and short-term income barriers. By expanding the program’s housing options, Wesley has made it possible for more individuals to access long-term solutions and rebuild their lives in a stable, supportive environment.

A Comprehensive Approach to Community Support

WESHP has evolved over the years into a multifaceted program that provides an array of essential services for the Halton community. Starting with the Family Shelter Program, Wesley has grown its offerings to include several additional initiatives designed to address housing instability from every angle. In addition to the Emergency Supportive Housing Program which now includes both families and single females, Wesley’s Halton team also manages:

• Halton Housing First Program: Working with participants who have been unhoused for 180 days, experienced episodic homelessness, and may struggle with health/mental health concerns, and/or substance use, for up to two years. ICM’s work with participants to build skills, and a community to ensure permanent and successful housing solutions.
• Community Housing Support Program: Connecting with individuals at risk of eviction to work with them and their housing providers in order to sustain permanent housing.
• Hoarding Program: Supports individuals facing hoarding challenges, helping them maintain safe, habitable living spaces.

This broad spectrum of services demonstrates Wesley’s deep commitment to addressing the complex needs of the Halton community. The programs work together to provide housing, support, and stability for vulnerable populations.

Looking Ahead: Wesley’s Ongoing Commitment to Growth and Innovation

As Wesley’s Emergency Supportive Housing Program continues to grow and adapt, it remains a crucial resource in the Halton community. The program’s ability to address gaps in services, offer expanded housing supports, and provide vital health and wellness support has made it a pillar of support for individuals and families facing housing instability.

Wesley’s Halton program’s comprehensive approach to housing, case management, and health and wellness ensures that each participant has the opportunity to succeed and thrive in a supportive, nurturing environment.

As we move further into 2025 and beyond, Wesley looks forward to continuing its work to break down barriers, improve lives, and strengthen the Halton community.