Neighbourhood Response Team Pilot Program Launching in Owen Sound River District

Safe ‘N Sound, in partnership with the Supportive Outreach Services (SOS) program are launching a pilot program in November aimed at simultaneously supporting local businesses and the unhoused population in Owen Sound’s downtown River District. The new initiative, known as the Neighbourhood Response Team, to work directly with businesses and individuals experiencing homelessness. 

The Neighbourhood Response Team will serve as social navigators, responding to public and business concerns, connecting individuals with essential services, collecting personal items from public areas to be reclaimed by owners, and discarding sharps as required. The program will serve as a resource to help build relationships between River District businesses and Safe ‘N Sound Participants and the public, helping to make the downtown River District more welcoming for all. 

Outreach to the business community began in early October with the goal of fostering collaboration and ensuring the program will meet the needs of business owners, customers, and residents.  The pilot supports feedback collected during a July 28 community discussion to foster a vibrant River District and is funded until March 31, 2026. 

Residents and business owners will be able to reach the Neighbourhood Response Team by calling 211, or through a dedicated local number of 519-373-6263 once the program launches in early November. A page on Safe ‘N Sound’s website will also provide up-to-date information about the pilot, how to request support, and an opportunity to share feedback and suggestions.

The pilot program will help build a safer, healthier and more inclusive community and represents a positive step forward, addressing complex social challenges through outreach and innovation. Pilot funding is provided by the Federal Government and is flowing through Grey County and the SOS program.

Quotes:

"Safe ‘N Sound provides vital services in the River District. The Neighbourhood Response Team is innovative, community-driven program that will help care for our vulnerable. We are grateful to Safe ‘N Sound, the SOS program, and our partners at Grey County and the Federal Government for their continuing leadership and commitment to making a real difference.”

-     Mayor Ian Boddy, City of Owen Sound

“The Neighbourhood Response Team is another welcome addition to our region’s community-driven approach to supporting the people and neighbourhoods impacted the most by the homelessness crisis. Grey County is a community that cares and we are thankful for all the caring partners who continue to show up and support those who need help in our communities.”

-     Warden Andrea Matrosovs, Grey County

“Our goal is simple: offer compassionate, non-emergency support that helps people and lightens the load on emergency services. This pilot will not solve homelessness, yet it is a concrete step we can take now while we keep pushing for increased supports for vulnerable members of our community. We see this as a partnership with the public as much as with the City, and we invite our community to engage with us so we can make this work together.”

-     Executive Director, Annette Pedlar, Safe 'N Sound Grey Bruce

“Our goal has always been to create a welcoming and community-focused River District. The Neighbourhood Response Team is an important step toward that vision, helping to compassionately connect people in need with the right supports, while working alongside our businesses to strengthen their success.”

-     David Parsons, Chair, River District Board of Management

About Safe ‘N Sound Grey Bruce:

Safe ’N Sound is a nonprofit community organisation based in Owen Sound that supports vulnerable residents with dignity through outreach, system navigation, harm reduction, and basic needs. The organisation receives support from grants, community partners, and is supported in large part by donations from local residents and businesses. All services are low-barrier and free to the community.

Visit safensoundgreybruce.ca for more information.

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