Welcoming Streets
Caring for community. Together.
The Downtown Kingston BIA and Addiction and Mental Health Services Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (AMHS-KFLA) have partnered to manage Welcoming Streets, a successful street outreach initiative in Kingston's downtown core. Launched in 2023 as a City of Kingston-backed pilot project, Welcoming Streets fosters a compassionate, inclusive, and supportive environment for all members of the downtown community.
Welcoming Streets fulfils two essential roles: assisting individuals in accessing necessary supports and services, while collaborating with local service providers, community organizations, and business and property owners to develop a safe, inclusive, and supportive community that addresses the diverse needs of all involved.
The initiative is led by a team of three experienced mental health and addiction professionals, two from the Downtown Kingston BIA, and one from AMHS-KFLA. The team regularly collaborates to address community outreach needs, leveraging their combined expertise and shared dedication to fostering community well-being.
The program's objective is to engage respectfully with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, or mental health challenges, helping them access essential resources and support.
Welcoming Streets Vision
Encourage accountability and collective responsibility in fostering a compassionate, inclusive, and supportive environment for all members of the downtown Kingston community.
Who to call
When a situation occurs at your workplace that is beyond your control or ability to address, assistance is available in downtown Kingston. This four step process will help to improve safety and security in the downtown core.
If there is an emergency or a crime is being committed CALL 911
If you need assistance with someone who is having a mental health or addictions crisis contact:
Welcoming Streets 7 days a week, 9am-5pm at 613-583-5008
After Hours call the AMHS-KFLA Crisis Line 24/7 at 613-544-4229
If you need assistance with excessive garbage, abandoned shopping carts, call City if Kingston Bylaw at 613-546-4291 ex. 3135 or email bylawenforcement@cityofkingston.ca
If police assistance is needed but not an emergency, contact the police non-emergency line at 613-549-4660 ex 2244. Non-Emergency incidents that occur in Kingston can be easily reported online. Click here to file a report online.
If at any time the situation escalates, don’t hesitate to CALL 911.
Display the 'Who to Call' poster in a visible area for your staff. If you need one, contact welcome@downtownkingston.ca, and we'll deliver it to your business. You can also click on the poster image for a print version.
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Josh Morgan
Street Outreach Team Lead
Downtown Kingston BIABorn and raised in Kingston, Josh Morgan has devoted the past 10 years to social service and harm reduction agencies. His experiences as a Justice Youth Worker at St. Lawrence Youth Association and an Overdose Prevention Support Worker at the Integrated Care Hub with Kingston Community Health Centers have provided valuable insights into societal issues, enabling him to assist individuals proactively.
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Kimberly Dolan
Street Outreach Steward
Downtown Kingston BIAA Certified Music Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), and Holistic Wellness Advocate in Kingston, Kimberly Dolan possesses diverse social justice experience. From volunteering with street-involved individuals in California to providing music therapy in forensic settings, she's committed to understanding diverse life experiences and supporting people on their wellness journey.
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Rachel Dingemans
Street Outreach
Addictions Mental Health ServicesBIO to come/
Help keep our streets clean and safe for everyone
Listed below are a few ways you and your staff can help to ensure that downtown Kingston is clean, safe and welcoming:
Educate all staff about available resources and include this information in new employee onboarding.
Consider booking a Welcoming Streets presentation for your staff. Email welcome@downtownkingston.ca to book.
When discussing the safety of downtown with your staff and customers, focus on the resources available to keep everyone safe, rather than perpetuating negative perceptions. The way we frame these conversations can influence public perception positively.
Maintain cleanliness by washing the sidewalk outside your business daily with biodegradable soap and water. If your business causes lots of spills, consider power washing or hiring a contractor to do so regularly.
Invest in security measures like lighting and cameras. If there are areas on your property that attract unwanted activities, ensure they are secured. Discuss potential security improvements and cost-sharing with your landlord if applicable.
Urban centers frequently face challenges with improperly discarded needles in commercial areas. In the event that you or your staff come across needles requiring disposal, please contact KFLA Public Health at 613-548-5860 to ensure their safe and prompt removal. If the situation necessitates immediate action and you are unable to await assistance, cautiously utilize tongs to collect the needle, taking care to minimize contact.
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Kingston is fortunate in that there several agencies that can help the vulnerable in our community. We have provided a list of the most up to date resources with contact information Click here to view more.
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As an urban hub, Downtown Kingston property owners should prioritize security. Implementing lighting, cameras, and safeguarding fire escapes and rooftops ensures public safety while deterring intruders. Cost sharing with your landlord is something to consider.
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Welcoming Streets offer workshops and training throughout the year. Click here to find out what is available for you and your staff.
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Welcoming Streets has several opportunities for volunteering, mentorship and internship for qualified courses. Click here to read more about opportunities.
Ways to help vulnerable members of our downtown community
The Welcoming Streets team sources a variety of items to assist our community members in need. To coordinate drop off of items, please contact us at welcome@downtownkingston.ca or use the QR code to join our “How to Help” downtown donation channel.
Donation Items Needed:
Warm Socks
Warm Winter Hats
Mitts and Gloves (Waterproof and/or insulated preferred)
Blankets and Sleeping Bags
Winter Clothing
Men’s Pants & Sweaters (Size M-1X)
Women’s Pants & Sweaters (Size XS-Large)
Gift Cards to purchase additional supplies
Food Basics, Metro, No Frills, Whole Sale Club
Giant Tiger, Walmart, etc.
Monetary Donations
We graciously accept monetary donations to acquire additional supplies not currently available. If you would prefer to support the initiative in this way, please contact welcome@downtownkingston.ca to arrange a one-time or recurring payment.
Thank you for your support!
Welcoming Streets is partially funded by the Provincial Homelessness Prevention Program. The program operates through a collaborative partnership between three organizations: The City of Kingston, Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area (BIA), and Lennox and Addington Mental Health and Addiction Services (AMHS-KFLA).