THUNDER BAY – The Shelter House SOS van will be back on the after a nearly three-year hiatus.
The Street Outreach Service program, which helped divert people from the emergency department, was discontinued in September 2022 because of a lack of funding.
The program offered emergency services and supplies, shelter transfers and hospital transport, harm reduction and basic first aid, crisis support, and even snacks.
Shelter House announced on Friday afternoon the program would be operational once again starting on Monday.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board through their Homelessness Prevention Program, the Lakehead Social Planning Council, and the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre for their critical support of the Street Outreach Services program,” stated a media release issued by the organization.
“Their investments have made it possible for Shelter House to revive this vital initiative at a time when it is needed most. Thanks to their commitment, our outreach team is once again providing a lifeline to those facing houselessness, connecting some of our community’s most systemically vulnerable members with essential supports, compassion, and hope.”
The program not only alleviates pressure at the hospital, but also on police, firefighters, and paramedics.
The phone number to reach the SOS team will be released next week.
