The Perth Huron United Way and the Salvation Army have announced the opening of a HOPE Links in Listowel.
United Way Executive Director, Ryan Erb, explains the HOPE Links is one of a growing number of connection centres intended to provide a safe place, empowering individuals to move toward a better life by connecting them with allies and supports.
“So the immediate resources include things like showers and laundry services, things like food and clothing, for those that might need that urgent, emergency support and also provides heating or cooling, depending on the season and volunteers and staff are present to welcome people,” said Erb.
Erb says the other goal of the connection centres is to make sure people who use it, not only have their immediate needs met, but have the relationships with service providers so that they can take the next step.
Erb says that could be an effort towards housing, or getting support for addiction or mental health challenges, or a step towards employment. It could also be something as simple as replacing document-ready ID that they've lost or has been taken from them.
The HOPE Links in Listowel is located at 295 Main Street West in Listowel.
A similar connection centre is scheduled to open in Wingham sometime this fall.