Library, School, or Organization Name: Hazel McCallion Central Library
Co-Presenter Name(s): Vee Clarke
Area of the World from Which You Will Present: Mississauga, Ontario
Language in Which You Will Present: English
Target Audience(s):Library Staff
Short Session Description (one line): Resourse and Information Centre
Full Session Description (as long as you would like):The Open Window Hub (OWH) is a “Soft Place to Land" within Community Services, Library Division. Operating within 18 branches across the City, this dynamic team includes, Social Workers and a Community Development Coordinator. Social Workers are available to provide information and resources designed to support and empower individuals and families who are unhoused and/or experiencing mental health issues within the City of Mississauga. The Community Development Coordinator focuses on the training, volunteers, programming and development of partnerships.
The goal of the OWH was to think creatively and act responsive. The OWH provided supports to individuals who were experiencing adversities ranging from housing, food insecurity, clothing, financial support and health care support.
The OWH is a safe space where individuals can attend for food programming, skill building workshops and meet with the on site agencies. These agencies include, Street Outreach, Health Care, Harm Reduction/Additions, Housing Supports, Identification and Mental Health Supports. Social Worker's conduct a need assessment to understand priority. A resource toolkit is developed for each individual, with next steps.
Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session:https://www.mississauga.ca/library/using-the-library/open-window-hub/
Virtual Conference on Helping Patrons Experiencing Homelessness Version 1.pdfhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARc4vYDL1Ic
Virtual Conference on Helping Patrons Experiencing Homelessness Version 1.pdfhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARc4vYDL1Ic
Replies