The Downtown Kingston BIA, in partnership with Addiction and Mental Health Services Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (AMHS-KFLA), is pleased to welcome Josh Morgan as the new Welcoming Streets Steward for the Welcoming Streets program in Downtown Kingston. Morgan will be working with Hailey Shadforth, Case Manager, Street Outreach Downtown, Addiction & Mental Health Services (AMHS-KFLA).
Morgan was born and raised in the Kingston area and has been involved with numerous social service and harm reduction-influenced agencies over the past 10 years. Through his work as a Justice Youth Worker at St. Lawrence Youth Association and as an Overdose Prevention Support Worker in the Consumption and Treatment Services site at the Integrated Care Hub with Kingston Community Health Centers, his insight into varying societal issues has given him the opportunity to assist clients with their individual healing processes.
“It has truly been an honour serving this community throughout my career. Kingston is a great city, with the potential to continue to thrive in all the ways it has up to now. I am grateful to be in a position to assist it in furthering that growth” says Josh.
Welcoming Streets was introduced as a pilot program in downtown Kingston in July 2023 serving two essential functions in Kingston's downtown area:
- Providing assistance and building relationships with individuals experiencing mental health or addiction challenges as well as people experiencing homelessness, while connecting them to available local services and support providers.
- Supporting downtown business and property owners, as well as their employees in situations that are beyond their control involving individuals who are suffering from mental health or addictions challenges as well as people experiencing homelessness.
The Welcoming Streets program is designed to address the needs of individuals who are precariously housed or experiencing homelessness, particularly those facing mental health and addiction challenges.
"By deploying experienced responders to incidents involving vulnerable community members, the program helps minimize police intervention, supports the business community, and ensures that vulnerable individuals receive the appropriate care they need," states Marijo Cuerrier, Executive Director of Downtown Kingston BIA.
At its core, the program represents a community-driven approach to addressing the complex issues surrounding homelessness and mental health. By prioritizing empathy and expert care, Welcoming Streets creates a safer, more inclusive environment for all. By working together and leveraging the strengths of different sectors, the program demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing pressing social issues and building a more compassionate, supportive community.
The Welcoming Streets Program is funded in part by the Ontario Homelessness Prevention Program.
