The day program has provided folks with a safe, reliable, place to escape the elements while connecting to a variety of service providers. With the library closed and many agencies not conducting face to face visits, Water World fills a sizable gap for this vulnerable population. Most of these clients do not have phones to contact landlords, income support workers, and probation. Having staff to facilitate these phone calls provides support to a significant barrier in accessing services and housing. Navigating housing and income systems can be complicated; daily check ins with staff ensures clients feel supported to reach their goals and can receive help when a hurdle seems too challenging to complete independently.

• Some of the outcomes and successes achieved to date include but are not limited to:
• Female client came to Water World after being released from Windsor Police cells in a blue, thin jumpsuit that had holes in it. She was provided with clothing and resources and a connection to her CMHA worker. Connected male participant to primary care for follow up regarding infection and psychiatric meds. Connected participant to income after not receiving Ontario Works benefits and being homeless for a year.
• Provide informal supports to low income gentleman, who is diagnosed with cancer and is not pursuing treatment.
• Participant was deemed to be suicidal at Water World, stated he had attended hospital the night prior but was discharged without support. He stated he felt no one was taking him seriously, after advocacy and a call to 911 he was admitted to hospital for a psychiatric stay. Staff stayed with him for three hours awaiting an ambulance.
• Female participant attended Water World to talk to staff when her mother passed away and to escape an abusive relationship. She is now receiving addiction treatment services at House of Sophrosyne.
• A female attended Water World after an abusive incident with her partner, staff provided advocacy to get her into Hiatus House (Domestic Violence Shelter) until she is able to move into safe housing.
• Two participants have been presented at the Windsor Essex Situation Table due to having acute elevated risk.
• An 82 year old gentleman who had been staying in shelter for the past 3 years was housed in permanent housing with an IAH(E) rent supplement.
• A gentleman received advocacy support regarding his physical health needs and received an emergency life saving surgery.

• BNPL current data

  • As of August 2020 – 422 people experiencing homelessness, of which 342 are chronic. There were 21 households who moved into housing.

J. Zuk remarks there was recent media coverage relating to encampments near the waterfront due to the reticence of people to go to facilities due to COVID-19. She adds this is not a “tent city” but where people live outdoors.