In the 2022 Enumeration of Homelessness in Simcoe County, 73% of individuals experiencing homelessness reported struggling with mental health challenges.

Developing a mental health care system at The Lighthouse and extending it into the community is crucial to ensure that individuals transitioning into housing and facing mental health challenges are connected to ongoing services.

Thanks to the generous support of the James A. Burton & Family Foundation, The Lighthouse has been able to provide services often unavailable at other shelters, especially in the areas of mental health and wellness. With the growing challenges related to substance use and mental health, expanding these services is more critical than ever.

In 2024, The Lighthouse partnered with CFS Counselling & Wellbeing to bring an onsite mental health worker—a collaboration that has proven invaluable. This year, we’ve taken another major step by hiring a Mental Health Services Director. With a focus on creating a comprehensive community care system for our participants, we will prioritize four key areas:

• Organizational Wellness
• Social Work (Consultation)
• Community Partnerships
• Participant Engagement

For more information on mental health services at The Lighthouse, contact:

Samantha Walker

Mental Health Services Director

The Lighthouse

samantha@orillialighthouse.ca 

705-329-2265 ext 128