Collaboration and meaningful partnerships are at the heart of the essential supports and services of the Empower Simcoe Housing First program. In today’s challenging housing market, it would be nearly impossible to support our community’s most vulnerable individuals without these vital connections.
For Bryan, homelessness had been a harsh reality for 15 years. When he arrived in Orillia in 2020 with his devoted companion, Sky—his beloved four-legged best friend—he quickly discovered that they had nowhere to turn for shelter. Fortunately, Bryan sought assistance from The Lighthouse. However, he faced a heart-wrenching dilemma: staying at the shelter would mean leaving Sky behind, a choice he couldn’t accept.
The compassionate staff at The Lighthouse recognized Bryan’s predicament and provided an alternative solution. They guided him to a safe camping option where he could stay with Sky. Moreover, The Lighthouse Outreach Team made a commitment to check in with him daily, ensuring he felt supported during this difficult time.
Despite his determination, Bryan found it challenging to secure housing that would welcome both him and a potential roommate. He grew increasingly concerned about the future he and Sky faced as rising costs and limited availability seemed insurmountable. Yet, The Lighthouse team remained steadfast in their support, assisting Bryan in successfully completing a referral to Empower Simcoe’s Housing First program.
In just a few weeks, with the support of an Empower Simcoe Housing First Case Manager and a Housing First subsidy, Bryan found a one-bedroom apartment that finally allowed him and Sky to call it home. Today, Sky enjoys relaxing on the couch and going for daily walks, while Bryan collaborates closely with his case manager and community partners to attain financial stability and prioritize his well-being. He dreams of reuniting with his family back on the East Coast one day.
Linda Goodall, Executive Director of The Lighthouse, shares her excitement: “Having Bryan return to share his story—and then thrive independently in his own home—is an incredible success. It’s thrilling to see people come back for those reasons.”
But The Lighthouse is more than just a physical building at 75 Queen Street in Orillia; it is a hub of compassion and support for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness. “Our whole philosophy is centred around fostering partnerships,” explains Linda. “We can’t do any of this alone. Having Empower Simcoe here, working directly with our Housing Navigators to support people like Bryan, is everything. It creates an environment where people feel safe and supported. We couldn’t ask for a better on-site housing partner.”
The on-site Empower Simcoe Housing team, comprised of Housing First Case Managers Tina Stubbings and Tara Powell, Housing Specialist Jon Peters, and Housing Access Worker Taylor Doss, collaborate seamlessly with The Lighthouse team to develop comprehensive, holistic case plans.
“It’s never solely about housing. Many individuals are grappling with trauma, addiction, mental health challenges, physical health concerns, transportation issues, unemployment, and educational obstacles,” emphasizes Taylor. “Being here at The Lighthouse allows us to create integrated support plans with other service providers. Everything we need is conveniently located under one roof, making it possible for us to effectively coordinate care and resources.”
Together, The Lighthouse and Empower Simcoe are building a brighter future for Bryan, Sky, and countless others in our community. The journey may be challenging, but with collaboration and compassion, we can achieve remarkable outcomes.
