Outreach services were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic at the CISSS de la Montérégie-Est to address the needs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These services have evolved into an integrated team, providing a gateway to local services, residential stability and support services, and allowing for quick intervention at the ER exit. Care is therefore accessible and timely.
An interdisciplinary team formed of various professionals, nurse practitioners and a doctor joined forces with a mixed intervention team of patrol officers, in collaboration with the Service de police de l’agglomération de Longueuil, and outreach workers. Daily rounds are made on foot at metro stations, shopping areas, schools and on the street. This team supports and monitors people experiencing homelessness who set up camp in the City of Longueuil and raises awareness about issues surrounding homelessness. Over the past year, the team conducted over a hundred follow-ups at the request of the city or citizens.
This approach anticipates potential crisis situations before they can occur. The result is a decrease in repetitive interventions with the same clients. Doing the rounds helps to create bonds and prevent situations from degenerating. This way, a conspicuous daily presence and availability are provided seven days a week. Shopkeepers and citizens feel reassured, and everyone is able to co-exist in harmony.
We found that uncivil behaviour and incidents of mischief were significantly reduced in local areas. These interventions have helped to increase the stability (residential) of 50% of this population.
Project submitted by Robert J. Borris, Assistant Director
Other contributors: Marylin Dubuc, Josiane Fontaine, Stéphanie Racicot, Emeraude Niro Lépine, Nathalie Nault, Vanessa Laurencelle Fortin, Specialized Educators; Karine Chevrier, Criminologist; Sandra Kusper, Social Service Worker; Manon Blanchette, Professional Coordinator; Marie-Françoise Fayolle, Program Coordinator for Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) – Variable-Intensity Case Management and First-Episode Psychosis (FEP) and Outreach.
