Where is the Halton Lighthouse located?
A new facility has been constructed at 750 Redwood Square in Oakville.
It is located west of 4th line, off of South Service Road. The Salvation Army also has family accommodation in the community.
What is the history of the Halton Lighthouse?
The Salvation Army had been operating the Lighthouse in temporary locations in Oakville for more than seven years. In the past the facilities have been located in residential communities in Oakville.
The Lighthouse first opened on Trafalgar Road in the fall of 1999. This location was the former Grace House, a mental health facility. It operated there for nine months, until it moved, as a result of a previous development commitment for the property.
The Lighthouse then moved to a residential area between Kerr Street and Sixteen Mile Creek in 2000 and operated in two locations in conventional detached homes. One still continues to operate in this area.
In 2002, the Lighthouse moved to the Old Chamber of Commerce building located at 170 Country Squire Lane in Oakville. Here, the Lighthouse continued to operate until the new facility located at 750 Redwood Square was completed on January 25, 2005.
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Who can stay at the Halton Lighthouse?
The Lighthouse facility is available to all Halton residents who find themselves in a temporary housing crisis that leaves them without safe, secure accommodations.
There is no typical profile for a homeless individual as our clients come from all socio-economic backgrounds. These people are part of the communities in Halton and deserve to remain in their region in order to work through the challenges that they are facing. People whom we would accommodate in the Lighthouse are the same people that live in any community.
The Lighthouse accommodates single males and females from age 16 and older. Families are accommodated in other buildings in the community.
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How are people referred to the Lighthouse?
Individuals needing accommodation during regular Business hours, Monday-Friday can contact the Halton Region. (The Coordinated Intervention Services Team: 905-825-6000).
After regular Business hours and on weekends individuals can contact the Lighthouse directly: 905-339-2918.
Regional Staff complete an in-depth assessment/screening of the individual with regard to their mental, emotional and physical health, as well as any history of substance abuse or police involvement. Individuals screened out for any of these reasons are referred to more appropriate services.
Regional staff work closely with the Lighthouse Staff to determine whether or not the individual is appropriate to stay at the facility. The safety of the Lighthouse residents, staff, and community is always the top priority in determining who will be accepted into the Lighthouse.
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What do people do while staying at the Halton Lighthouse?
The Lighthouse currently provides in-depth assessment and case management for each client. Each resident's main goals are finding suitable permanent housing and employment.
Skilled case workers provide referrals to outside programs in the community and facilitate each resident's active pursuit of their goals, whether it is to secure housing, schooling, employment, or additional life skills. Case workers provide advocacy and empowerment to individuals.
The Lighthouse now offers a range of programs for residents based on their individual needs, goals, gifts, and abilities. They have access to assistance in finding suitable, affordable housing, life skills, employment training, job search training, computer training, self-esteem workshops, budgeting and lifestyle classes, as well as professional counseling.
Youth who are enrolled in school or want to return to school will be assisted in doing so. If returning home is a feasible, safe, option, support to do so will be provided.
The ultimate goal of the Lighthouse program is to support individuals in reintegrating into their community.
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How long can someone stay at the Halton Lighthouse?
Residents at the Lighthouse can stay at no cost to them for up to 30 days.
If the resident is continuing to work on their action plan and is making progress in their goals and plans, their stay can be extended until they have secured alternative accommodations in their respective community.
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How is the program funded?
Operational funding is provided on a per diem basis through the Region of Halton.
Funding for various program expenses is provided through the generosity of private and corporate donations. The Salvation Army also contributes from the annual Red Shield Campaign, and the local Christmas Campaign.
The need is great. Donations are always appreciated.
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How do we measure success?
The program ultimately succeeds when the individual or family has secured adequate housing and is living independently as a contributing member of society. They are no longer at risk.
From January 1st to December 31st of 2006, the Lighthouse served 413 people. Out of the 413 residents, 40% were successful in finding new accommodations.
This is an 8.5% increase in the number of people served in 2005, and 25% increase in the placement rate.
This is a significant amount of success. However, success is sometimes hard to measure as each individual that is a resident of the Lighthouse is at a different place in life. Success can be measured by the increase of someone's dignity, self-worth, and in helping someone to take ownership and responsibility of their present circumstances.
The goal is to help each individual achieve a forward moving action plan and support them in their reintegration into the community.
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