LONDON COMMUNITY ADDICTION RESPONSE STRATEGY

(LONDON CAReS)

STREET CONNECTION provides Street Outreach – providing community based street level outreach.  Provide services that meet the individual’s immediate needs and connect them to additional services that will improve their health outcomes.

STREET CONNECTION provides Peer Engagement – providing syringe recovery to community members within the geographical boundaries of London CAReS.  To build trust and relationships with injection drug users in order to serve their immediate needs and enhance their quality of life.

Project Description

London CAReS is London’s Community Addiction Response Strategy designed to improve the health outcomes of the addicted homeless, thereby reducing the incidence of homelessness and improving the quality of life and business prosperity in the downtown/priority areas.

London CAReS takes a comprehensive approach to substance abuse, integrating and coordinating services, based on the five pillar model of prevention, harm reduction, treatment and enforcement initiatives, along with Community Integration in partnership with the Governments of Canada and Ontario, community partners, local businesses and residents.

The guiding principles of London CAReS are as follows:

	Individuals:  The system meets them where they are at and recognizes each person for his/her potential and value;
	Integrations:  Integrated management, implementation, and monitoring are key to the success of the strategy;
	Investments:  Strategic and sustainable over time (5 year plan); and
	Results:  Value for money and outcome evaluation processes are included in the strategy.

STREET CONNECTION supports London’s strategy in taking a comprehensive approach to substance abuse, integrating and coordinating services, based on the five pillar model of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, enforcement initiatives and community integration.

STREET CONNECTION agrees with the vision for a “continuum of care” for the homeless - one that provides ongoing street level contact, outreach and delivery of services, including places to refer the homeless to get off the streets “Safe Haven”, even if for a short time; a pathway to a home, with appropriate wrap around services, including addiction counselling and access to Ontario Works.

STREET CONNECTION concurs with the public consultations heard that our downtown community wants and expects criminals to be dealt with. We also heard the downtown community wants and expects a caring response for the homeless.

STREET CONNECTION understand that outreach will take place at point of need and will include recently released incarcerated individuals acknowledging that an atmosphere of trust will take place over time which will allow outreach to present to and support individuals through the following options:

1.		Referral to a London CAReS “Safe Haven”
2.		Referral to a London CAReS “Outreach van”
3.		Referral to Ontario Works London’s Addiction Services A-Team initiative
4.		Referral to London’s “Hostels to Homes” team
5.		Engaging in the provision of immediate services to the homeless, mentally ill and addicted
6.		Engaging in the immediate provision of services to those in crisis, as a result of their lifestyle of active addiction(s) which requires some form of immediate intervention for the individuals’ safety
7.		Engaging with law enforcement officers as needed
8.		Assisting in a referral process for the incarcerated (youth & adults) leaving EMDC with NFA
9.		Distributing information and making referrals to harm reduction services
10.		Intervening in public disturbances/nuisances as requested

Experience has prepared STREET CONNECTION well for assisting people in different and difficult circumstances.

STREET CONNECTION is committed to enhancing the lives of the individuals. We serve and am able and wishing to work in such a challenging and demanding environment.

STREET CONNECTION operates with a common sense attitude and works effectively within a team environment.

STREET CONNECTION does its' best to empower individuals with the least amount of intrusion within their lives while holding each responsible for their choices.

STREET CONNECTION respects the worth, rights, privileges and privacy of individuals