Janice Arnoldi
Janice Arnoldi
Welcoming Streets Peer Support Workers Helping the Homeless
Welcoming Streets Peer Support Workers Helping the Homeless
Welcoming Streets Peer Support Workers Helping the Homeless
Monday 25th August 2025
Explore how Welcoming Streets peer workers in St. Catharines foster community support and bridge gaps between businesses and the homeless.
25 minutes
Inspiring
Compassionate
Supportive
Eye-opening
Hopeful
About this podcast
Author:
Janice Arnoldi
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Body & Mind
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Parenting & Children
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Episodes:
114 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Welcoming Streets: Peer Support Workers Transforming Communities
Episode Overview
- Peer support workers with lived experience provide vital connections.
- Welcoming Streets aims to divert non-emergency calls from 911.
- The programme fosters accountability and employment opportunities.
- Businesses benefit from education on handling mental health issues.
- The initiative enhances community safety and cohesion.
"When you show them respect, they'll show you respect"
Life Unscripted - Stories of Mental Health and Addiction brings a heartfelt episode about the Welcoming Streets initiative in St. Catharines. Host Janice Arnoldi, alongside guest Maddie McNeil, delves into the programme's impact on the community. If you've wandered downtown and spotted folks in bright yellow shirts, you're witnessing peer support workers in action. These individuals, who have themselves experienced homelessness, are on a mission to support others facing similar challenges.
Funded by Niagara Region, this pilot project offers an innovative approach to bridging gaps between local businesses and those living on the streets. The episode sheds light on how these teams work tirelessly to divert non-emergency calls from overburdened emergency services, providing immediate resources and education to both individuals and businesses. Maddie shares the unique collaboration between REACH and Positive Living Niagara, highlighting their combined efforts in offering harm reduction and medical care through trained peer workers.
Listeners will be intrigued by stories of peer leaders like Jeff and Ivy, who leverage their lived experiences to connect authentically with those in need. The programme not only provides employment opportunities but also fosters accountability and growth among its members. Welcoming Streets stands as a beacon of hope for a community seeking connection and understanding. The initiative is a testament to the power of compassion and respect in transforming lives.
With businesses like Mate Cafe embracing the programme, a sense of safety and community is blossoming in downtown St. Catharines. Tune in to learn how these peer workers are changing perceptions, one interaction at a time. It's an eye-opener that reminds us all of the importance of human connection and the profound impact it can have.