Housing Outreach Workers (HOWs) support clients in accessing housing, or being re-housed, as well as items necessary for the clients’ homes. Outreach workers also assist clients in connecting to their local community, including identifying community resources and free community events that develop a sense of community belonging.

When a client is deemed eligible and accepted into the program, they are connected to a Housing Outreach Worker. After the Housing Outreach Worker has the tools in place that can best assure successful housing (furniture, utility hook up, groceries, and other start-up items), the HOW worker then transferred the participant to a Follow-Up Support Worker who will guide those families and individuals on the remainder of their journey to Housing Stability.

The current housing vacancy in the community is approximately 1.8%. However, of the available housing stock few are affordable for Housing First clients, effectively creating a zero vacancy rate. Lack of access to an adequate supply of a variety of affordable housing types is an acknowledged gap in our municipality. Part of the Housing Outreach Worker role is working to fill this gap by approaching new landlords and building the relationships necessary to recruit additional housing.