‘The Lighthouse’s outreach program is a clear way we engage in community safety’
This is the 30th in a series of columns written by staff from The Lighthouse to help the community better understand people experiencing homelessness and those who support them. This column appears every other Monday.
In Orillia, the efforts to enhance community safety and support individuals who are experiencing homelessness are deeply intertwined.
The Lighthouse plays an integral role in this endeavour as we strive to accomplish our mission of building a safe community through partnership, servant leadership, and faith. All of our services strive to accomplish this goal as we reflect our values of compassion, safety, trust, leadership and faith.
Our commitment to safety is evident in all of our programs. In the emergency shelter and in supportive housing, expectations and guidelines are in place that promote participant, staff and volunteer safety as we provide homelessness support services in a congregate living setting. We aim to make everyone feel welcome. Our services also contribute to community safety through outreach as we engage with members of the community who are marginalized and who may need additional support.
When talking about community safety, there is generally the idea that we need to protect our community. It often takes the form of talking with business owners, housed members of the community, or others who are integrated in the community. This is important. We want to ensure public spaces are clean and everyone feels safe spending time in the downtown area and elsewhere in the community.
We need to remember, however, unhoused individuals are also part of our community. Their safety is equally important, and they often don’t have the same resources as others. So, how do we promote their safety, too?
The Lighthouse’s outreach program is a clear way we engage in community safety. The Lighthouse’s adult outreach team provides services seven days per week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and youth outreach operates Monday to Friday. The work we do is integral for all members of our community, and community involvement is crucial to our mission. We encourage anyone in Orillia to reach out to us if you encounter someone who is in need of assistance. You can contact The Lighthouse’s adult outreach team at 705-817-7545 and youth outreach at 705-238-6794.
Importantly, The Lighthouse’s outreach isn’t confined to immediate crisis intervention. Outreach workers are actively involved in assisting participants with essential documentation and navigating complex pathways toward stable housing. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals, we empower individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
The Lighthouse also partners with other organizations to increase safety in our community. Our close collaboration with the Ontario Provincial Police and the City of Orillia bylaw department underscores our commitment to holistic community safety. These partnerships facilitate swift responses to incidents, ensuring individuals in crisis receive the support they need promptly and effectively.
One Community Solutions is new to the Orillia downtown area as of a couple of months ago. One Community Solutions focuses on crisis management and de-escalation with a special focus on working with community members who are unhoused. They are identifiable by their visibility vests. Anyone is able to call them during their hours of operation at 647-688-9175. They employ a hands-off approach as they ensure public spaces remain safe and welcoming for all community members.
At The Lighthouse, we believe promoting community safety means embracing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual regardless of their circumstances. Through outreach services and collaborative partnerships, we strive to create a community where everyone feels safe.
Linda Goodall is the former executive director at The Lighthouse.
Rosemary Petersen is the managing director at The Lighthouse and can be reached at rosemary@orillialighthouse.ca.