The COVID-19 pandemic heightened poverty and inequality, creating an even greater need for the Stratford Connection Centre.
Described as an 'open-door' facility, the centre is located in a renovated basement at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Douro Street. Staff and volunteers have welcomed more than 100 unique visitors since opening late last year.
A recent open house welcomed community partners, including United Way Perth-Huron, Choices for Change, an area alcohol, drug and gambling addiction counselling centre, and representatives from the City of Stratford and Stratford Police Service.
Social service providers and volunteers aim to address challenges of addiction, mental health and poverty. Hot showers, washrooms, food and laundry are provided. Social connections and emotional support are offered. Staff can assist with document readiness in order to fill out housing applications.
“Through the pandemic, we have seen a mental health crisis rise in our community," said Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson. "We have seen homelessness, domestic violence and social interaction challenges. I think what has happened is we have watched ourselves slide into two camps within the community — those that have and those that don’t.
Mathieson began his first mayoral term in 2003 with a regional unemployment rate of 5.9 per cent. Today, the unemployment rate is less than 4 per cent. Despite the drop, Ontario Works cases have grown, the mayor noted.
“The challenges in our community are a mirror of what is going on across the country,” he said.
Since opening, the centre has provided more than 900 meals. The centre is funded by United Way Perth-Huron and the City of Stratford and operated by Choices for Change. The church donated the space. Other connection centres have opened their doors in Perth County or plans are in the works to do so.
“We have created a space here for people in the community that don’t have a space. It is an open door for people that might be living un-sheltered in our community,” said Ryan Erb, executive director, United Way Perth-Huron.
Catherine Hardman, executive director of the Stratford Connection Centre, said community support has been overwhelming. Local restaurants and churches have provided food donations, with some churches providing weekly meals.
“We have so much food that some people were having to take it home and put it in their freezer,” Hardman said. “I don’t think we‘ve ever gotten this much support for anything we’ve done before.”
“The generosity of the community towards the centre has been incredible. The pandemic did raise the issues of mental health, addiction and homelessness and brought it to the forefront for many people. People are asking what they can do and the connection centre is an opportunity for people to help,” added Hardman.
The space offers an exam room for a nurse practitioner and an office space for a defence lawyer. An outreach worker is available to support those living in motels or other precarious housing situations.
Volunteers are equally as important, as the centre needs people to donate time to socialize with visitors. Volunteers are encouraged to stop in, have a cup of coffee, play some games and meet community members.
Helping the vulnerable through meeting basic needs and building social ties is essential in ending homelessness, said Erb.
“We are here to help people on their journey, wherever they might be going."
