News release: November 9, 2020
Region of Peel launches expanded Peel Outreach Team services to help end homelessness
BRAMPTON, ON (November 9, 2020) – The Region of Peel launched expanded Peel Outreach Team services to help get people experiencing homelessness out of the cold and on a path to long-term housing. New services include a new mobile health clinic, a second mobile outreach team van, expanded service hours and additional on-location supports.
The Peel Outreach Team consists of both a 24/7 Street Helpline and mobile Street Outreach teams who provide on-location supports. Services provided include access to shelter, COVID-19 prevention services, certain medical services and urgent supplies (e.g. food, clothes and blankets). The Street Outreach team also connects people in need to other supportive programs, including mental health, addiction and employment services.
The Peel Outreach Team program is funded by the Region of Peel and run by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
Services now include:
- 24/7 support via the Street Helpline number: 1-877-848-8481
- Two mobile vans with outreach teams delivering on-location supports
- A mobile health clinic providing on-location wound care, COVID-19 supports and virtual consultations with medical practitioners
- Extended Street Outreach hours; services are now available daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. and 6:00 pm to 10:00 p.m.
The Street Helpline also supports residents who are concerned about others. Residents can call 1-877-848-8481 if they are worried someone is in urgent need of homelessness supports.
“The Peel Outreach Team plays a critical role connecting the homeless to supportive services,” said Aileen Baird, Director of Housing Services. “During the pandemic, this work has taken on an even greater level of urgency as their role expands to include COVID-19 health screenings, pandemic education and referrals to our isolation and recovery centres. Expanding the program will help more of our most vulnerable residents stay safe and get housed.”
Learn more about the Region’s work to end homelessness in Peel at peelregion.ca/endhomelessness. To learn about available housing supports, visit peelregion.ca/housing.
Media contact
Lesley Hudson
Communication Specialist
Region of Peel
Tel: 905-867-8072
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
