Community care fair provides essential health and human services to Glengarry residents
WINDSOR POLICE NEWS RELEASE
Community care fair provides essential health and human services to Glengarry residents
Last week, the Windsor Police Service, in partnership with Windsor Regional Hospital, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, Family Services Windsor-Essex (FSWE), the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), and the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation, hosted a two-day event to provide essential health and human services to Glengarry residents.
The Community Care Fair, held on November 14 and 15, 2024, served people who live in and frequent the 300 and 400 blocks of Glengarry Avenue – a neighbourhood that has faced consistent quality of life challenges due to crime and disorder. This event provided support to residents and visitors in a safe, accessible environment.
Representatives from Windsor Police and partner organizations were on hand to greet attendees and offer medical treatments and vaccinations, mental health support, harm reduction kits, child safety materials, and other services and resources.
“We’re here to support our community, not just through enforcement, but also through meaningful engagement,” said Windsor Police Chief Jason Bellaire. “This event is part of our ongoing effort to create a safer, healthier environment by connecting individuals with the health and human services that they need. We cannot maintain the status quo. The status quo does not work for our community, nor does it work for our members.”
Over the two days, Windsor Regional Hospital's team made a meaningful impact, supporting 59 individuals. They treated 3 wounds, conducted 23 assessments, distributed 19 Naloxone kits, and referred 14 people to withdrawal management services.
The Canadian Mental Health Association peer support worker saw 50 people and offered a variety of referrals to wellness and recovery programs and community resources.
Family Services Windsor-Essex team members referred 103 individuals to the Walk-In Counselling Program, Financial Literacy and Voluntary Trusteeship, Income Tax Completion, Outreach and Housing Supports, and support getting on Income Assistance programs.
The Windsor Police Service and Windsor Regional Nurse Police Team (NPT), as well as the Windsor Police Service and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Crisis Response Team (CRT) were both on sight to offer support to individuals as well.
Vicky Smith, franchisee owner of Tim Hortons at Park Avenue and Goyeau Street, generously supported the effort to create safer communities by providing coffee and food free of charge during the two-day event.
This event builds on the ongoing initiative by the Windsor Police Service and partner agencies to improve quality of life in the Glengarry neighbourhood.
For residents in need of support, resources remain available beyond the fair. Contact Victim Services Windsor Essex County at 519-723-2711 or the Victim Assistance Unit at Windsor Police at 519-255-6700, ext. 4879 for continued assistance.
QUOTES:
“WRH is proud to stand alongside our community partners in participating in local events where we can collaborate to provide information and resources as well as listen to the concerns and questions of the residents we all serve. Meaningful events in priority neighbourhoods allow us to provide direct assistance to the many individuals and families who rely on us every day.”
- Karen Riddell, President and CEO, Windsor Regional Hospital
"At FSWE, are committed to helping people choose their own place in the world - which requires good mental health and access to basic needs, like food, income and housing. That's why we're so pleased to work with Windsor Police and our other community partners to launch the Glengarry Community Care Fair and ensure that downtown residents are connected to critical services that maintain their health and wellness. Communities that come together, thrive together."
- Joyce Zuk, Executive Director, Family Services Windsor-Essex
“CMHA is wholeheartedly committed to both clients and collaborative partnerships in delivering essential resources and care to our Windsor-Essex Community. The Glengarry Community Care Fair is a tremendous example of intersectoral community partners uniting our strengths and expertise, to bring compassionate care directly to our clients, ensuring they receive the support they need, when they need it and where they need it. From providing on-site vaccinations to referrals for mental health and primary care services, our involvement in these innovative initiatives is about building trust through strong partnerships and shared purpose.”
- Nicole Sbrocca, CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex County
"This event is an opportunity to create lasting positive change in Glengarry. By working alongside Windsor Police and our incredible partners, we’re helping to build a community where residents feel secure, supported, and valued. Together, we’re setting a new standard for community care in Glengarry, one built on collaboration and commitment to the well-being of all who call this neighborhood home."
- Nolan Goyette, Interim CEO, Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation
“At Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of the Windsor-Essex community. The Glengarry Community Fair was another example of how organizations can partner to support downtown residents, like our Crisis Response Team (CRT), a partnership with Windsor Police. This team attended the event, strengthening existing partnerships and interacting with community members."
- Bill Marra, President and CEO, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare