He explains that many shelter clients are already involved with the justice or social systems, and it made sense to align those systems with wraparound supports. “We’re focused on getting people housing-ready. That means helping them work through criminal records, mental health issues, addiction, and trauma. When you haven’t eaten or slept well, it’s hard to think about the future. But if we meet people where they are, we can connect them with help.” Brian emphasizes that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. “Everyone’s story is different. We need to listen, build trust and offer individualized supports,” he explains. “That’s how we keep people housed long term. Last year was one of our best for people not returning to homelessness.” Heather Sheridan, Director of St. Thomas Elgin Social Services, says this approach is only possible through close collaboration.” One agency can’t be the answer. Our community is exceptional when it comes to working together for the betterment of the people we serve.” Her department’s Street Outreach team works hand-in-hand with staff from The Inn and the STPS Special Constables, ensuring daily check-ins and shared updates on the people they’re supporting. “Some people have medical needs; others need help navigating the system or finding ID,” she notes. “We’re even developing a clinic at our office to help fill those gaps. It’s all about removing barriers and building relationships.” Those relationships are key, Heather says, because they create trust, and trust is often the first step toward stability. “People open up to our staff. They ask, ‘How do I find housing? What’s next?’ And that’s when we can help.”
Ultimately, she says, the solution to homelessness is housing with supports. “You can’t just move someone into an apartment and expect everything to be fixed. There’s trauma, addiction, and decades of challenges that need ongoing care.” Heather cites the local partnerships with organizations like Indwell and the YWCA, which offer long-term housing support as crucial to the success of the initiative. As for the question of choice, Brian is quick to correct a common misconception. “I’ve never met a single homeless person who chooses to stay homeless,” he says. “When people say that, they don’t understand the fear, mental health issues or past trauma that may make someone hesitant. But when you build trust and offer the right place with the right supports, people move in. They want a home.” Currently, 122 individuals are on St. Thomas’s ‘by-name list’ — a real-time record of those experiencing homelessness in the community. That includes people couch-surfing, staying in shelters, or living outside. With new supportive housing projects underway, and services working in sync, the team behind Leading the Way is optimistic. “We call ourselves Leading the Way,” Chief Roskamp says, “Because we are. We’re pushing a right-care, right-person approach. You don’t deserve a jail cell if you’re sleeping under a blanket. You deserve the right help from the right people.” Their work may have started quietly, but it’s made enough impact to earn national attention. And with continued support, this St. Thomas model may soon inspire other communities looking for a better way forward.
2025 St. Thomas & District Impact Award Winner
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