A conversation among service agencies has resulted in what’s being likened to a hub of services for vulnerable populations in St. Catharines’ Queenston Street neighbourhood. Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN) and REACH Niagara have partnered to offer health-care services to vulnerable people including those experiencing homelessness, poverty or low income.
Since starting in 2019, REACH had not had a physical space, instead working between communities with its mobile health clinic that offers continuing primary care and counselling. It now has office space with Start Me Up Niagara at 211 Church St. “This opportunity with Start Me Up Niagara made us think about this concept of a hub of services, and how we as service providers are starting to adopt that as a model,” said REACH executive director Carolyn Dyer.
REACH already offered services at The Hope Centre in Welland . Jon Braithwaite, Hope Centre chief executive officer, said its partnership with REACH Niagara has “been really good. “It was slow going, we tried it coming out of the pandemic, and it was slow to adapt, but I can say now it’s a full session every week and it’s a fantastic partnership.
” SMUN being able to offer health care services will ensure clients are treated with care and dignity in a timely manner, said SMUN executive director Laura Dumas. “Too many times we hear of someone being turned away from the hospital, or they weren’t kept at the hospital because of their behaviour,” said Dumas. “.