As most people do, when you think of Community Care St. Catharines & Thorold, you think of food. You’re not wrong, however, it’s not the only program our agency delivers to help address our community’s most pressing needs. What many people don’t know about is the exemplary work of our Housing Team, who work hard to provide supports to every generation in our community struggling with housing and housing related issues. The team has built an impressive program over the years, which is made more dynamic now as it is bringing together five other Niagara agencies to provide enhanced services.
In the Fall of 2023, in response to Niagara Region’s request for proposals to provide Homelessness Prevention services, the team worked extensively with our partners to design a new collaborative program that would allow several agencies to connect on client services for Trusteeship, Eviction & Housing Loss Prevention and Rapid Rehousing supports. 
Under the leadership of Community Care, the new model focuses on teamwork, improved resource allocation and equitable service delivery with partner agencies Project Share, The Hope Centre, Salvation Army Fort Erie, and Community Care of West Niagara. The new model better ensures that those most at risk of housing loss are identified, prioritized, and receiving supports in home or community to stabilize their housing and avoid homelessness. The Prevention Team’s work includes system navigation, referrals, streamlined access to resources, benefits and supports, and landlord mediation.
‘The work is more challenging than ever, but with this enhanced partnership, we’re able to work more closely together as a team, improve systems, and better serve the needs of those at risk of homelessness’ . Karrie Porter, Manager, Housing Help Program
