Running Away

Almost everyone thinks about running away from home at some point. You might feel like you want to escape, but people who have run away say that usually you just end up exchanging one rotten situation for another. Talking to someone may help you think through your options and make an intelligent decision that’s right for you. See the places below for emergency accommodation.

Huron County. Municipal Office
https://www.huroncounty.ca/social-services/ontario-works/

Emergency program that can assist families and individuals living with low incomes in Huron County.

Assistance may include but not be limited to: Emergency heat, water, sewage, rental arrears, dental. Eyeglasses, baby supplies, limited assistance with cost of prosthetic Items, other health care items. Limited financial assistance may be available in other exceptional circumstances.

Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance
https://www.hpha.ca/mentalhealth

24 hour helpline and crisis line, counselling service for individuals in acute emotional distress and/or with mental illness, face-to-face support and assessment 7 days a week in the local community serving 8 hospital ER departments. Crisis staff will provide onsite assessment in the individual’s home in the company of local police service. Will assist individuals to find the appropriate addictions or mental health service

Emergency Room assistance available at all 8 hospitals, call ahead to ensure that a staff person can go to the hospital location.

Emergency Homelessness – People and families in need of emergency housing should contact the Ontario Works or ODSP office during regular work hours. Outside of normal business hours, contact the Huron Perth Helpline and Crisis Response Team for assistance

Program is mobile with police in Huron and Perth counties

Salvation Army

Services:

  • Food bank, can be accessed more than once month, 4-7 day supply
  • Advocacy work
  • Transportation (limited availability – for medical or emergency travel)
  • Help for fire victims
  • Emergency accommodations, homeless (limited)
  • Emergency support for utilities and rent (provided there are funds in the budget)
  • Financial assistance for medications
  • General Counselling

Christmas food hampers and toy hampers, call to register in November.

Salvation Army (The)
https://www.sagoderich.com/

Community and Family Services provides the following: Food Bank assistance, emergency transportation, support available for one-time emergency medicine costs, emergency accommodations, vouchers for clothing and household items, advocacy and resource referrals, support offered to send up to 5 children to Salvation Army summer camp each year. OESP and Leap Program application assistance.

Other services provided during applicable or specific times throughout the year include: Christmas hampers, and is an intake agency for Huron Backpacks for Kids. Call office or see separate entries for full details.

Salvation Army (The)

Food bank, emergency transportation, support available for one-time emergency medicine costs, emergency accommodations in certain situations available for 1 to 2 nights maximum, vouchers for clothing and household items available for those in need, advocacy and resource referrals, support offered to send up to 6 children to Salvation Army summer camp each year.

Other services provided during applicable or specific times throughout the year include: Christmas hampers, and is an intake agency for Huron Backpacks for Kids. Call office or see separate entries for full details.

Huron Safe Homes for Youth
http://www.huronsafehomes.com/

COVID19 Committed to ensuring youth and their families have access to support, services and advocacy during the pandemic via telephone, email, and video conferencing. To access service please call 1-800-361-1640.

Provides voluntary, confidential services for youth (16 years of age to their 18th birthday) and their families in Huron County Services include:

  • temporary shelter in a Safe Home when the youth has no other viable alternative
  • mediation between youth and their parents/caregivers
  • short-term counselling
  • immediate and long term planning developed in conjunction with the youth and the family to address their needs
  • crisis intervention and support services for youth and/or families
  • support services for pregnant teens
  • provision of life skills training
  • education and resources
  • supported independent living
  • ability to act as a trusteeship for Ontario Works
Stratford/Perth Shelterlink
http://www.shelterlink.org

Provides emergency or transitional shelter, support services to homeless and at-risk youth across Perth County. Youth are provided with basic needs, community referrals, life skills. Constant staff support to help them move forward and into a successful independent living situation. Serving Ages 16 – 24

Salvation Army (The) Stratford – St. Marys Regional Community Ministries

Emergency shelter referrals given to Shelterlink or Ontario Works, emergency transportation, winter clothing supplies, Christmas assistance, assistance with fire victims and Food Bank

Housing Resource Centre – Contact Chelsea Borg 519-271-6991 or EMAIL – available to assist with light-touch supports such as:

  • Preparing for Housing Searches
  • Assistance with information about possible housing options
  • Completing self-directed housing searches
  • Referrals to other support agencies
  • Connecting people into the local Homeless System of Care
  • Volunteer Trusteeship component which assists clients with money management services

Also provide free income tax assistance. See separate listing HERE

Volunteers are all welcome.

Salvation Army Listowel

Food Bank – Wed and Thu 10 am-3 pm appointment preferred, Tue evenings by appointment ONLY. Call or Text Food Bank Coordinator for appointment. See PER2117

Harvest of HOPE educational garden runs Spring through Fall. EMAIL Carolyn to find out more or check Facebook page.

HOPE Eats North Perth currently paused until fall. Special event dinners during July & August – see Facebook page for details. Normally operates Wed 5:30 pm-7:00 pm. Drive through hot meal pick up at 625 Main St. E. Listowel. Pre-registration appreciated. Contact 226-622-7400 to register

Free Tax Assistance available for “Low Income” families – must make an appointment to drop off documents and sign release. Returns will be prepared, then a copy of return and personal documents will be returned by mail.

Back Pack for Kids Program Applications being taken for September 2022 as of Jun 30th. Distribution date to be determined. See PER0558

North Perth Sports for Kids Sports Sponsorship. If you would like assistance accessing activities for your youth and live in North Perth please call the Community & Family Services office at 519-291-3200. See PER1653

Other services provided:

  • HOPE Links North Perth (access to shower/meal/connection/laundry coming soon) Contact Steph Siertsema EMAIL or call 226-622-7400
  • Christmas Assistance. See PER1960
  • OESP application assistance