Safe N’ Sound is looking to run its Neighbourhood Response Team again, and it has Grey County’s support.
The response team operated from November 2025 to March 2026 and saw a team of four trained people walk the streets of downtown Owen Sound to provide immediate assistance and care to the unhoused and vulnerable population.
The program was lauded as a success, but its funding only took it to March 31st.
Safe N Sound, a daytime shelter and resource for those experiencing homelessness wants to run the program again, and recently obtained a letter of support from the City of Owen Sound, and today it received a letter of support from Grey County.
Annette Pedlar, Executive Director of Safe N Sound told Grey County council they want to apply for a Fall 2026 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.
Pedlar says, “The program provided a visible, supportive street level presence for residents, businesses, visitors, and people who are underhoused or unhoused.”
She explains, the response team complemented existing community services by responding to situations that did not always require an emergency or enforcement response.
She says, “Team members connected people experiencing complex mental health, addictions, housing, and social service needs with appropriate resources, while also assisting with concerns affecting the broader downtown community, including wellness checks, de escalation, encampment related concerns, sharps disposal, and requests for assistance from businesses and residents.”
Pedlar notes, the pilot operated in close collaboration with Grey County programs, including Supportive Outreach Services and Grey County Housing.
“This partnership supported a “no wrong door” approach, connecting individuals with the service best positioned to assist them,” says Pedlar.
Stats say the Neighbourhood Response Team recorded more than 1,600 interactions, provided more than 2,200 supports including over 840 health and wellness-related responses.
A letter of support from Grey County Council says, “These interactions represent opportunities to connect individuals with housing, health, social, and community supports before issues escalate into emergencies requiring more intensive interventions.”
They say, “Importantly, the NRT embodies a ‘no wrong door’ approach to service delivery. Individuals encountered through the program are connected to the support system best positioned to help them, regardless of where the interaction begins.”
It adds, “This philosophy aligns closely with Grey County’s efforts to improve coordinated access to housing and support services and to reduce barriers that often prevent vulnerable individuals from receiving assistance. By establishing trusted relationships and offering low-barrier engagement, the NRT helps bridge the gap between vulnerable individuals and the services that can support long-term stability.”
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