Leeds Grenville Media Release | Opening of Supportive Cabins Program

Media Release

Opening of the Pathways Supportive Cabins Program

Brockville, ON – The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, in partnership with the John Howard Society of Kingston and District, is proud to announce the opening of the Pathways Supportive Cabins Program. This initiative aims to provide a stable and secure environment for individuals experiencing homelessness, offering comprehensive support to help them transition to long-term housing.
The program, utilizing the Ontario Homelessness Prevention Program, along with additional capital investment from the United Counties, represents a significant step forward in addressing homelessness in the region. The Pathways Supportive Cabins Program is designed with controlled, invitation-only access managed by the John Howard Society, ensuring that those on the By Name List receive the support they need in a safe and structured environment.

The opening event included a tour of the facilities and remarks from elected officials from Leeds and Grenville, and the John Howard Society, highlighting the collaborative efforts that made this program a reality. The program's success is attributed to the dedicated partnership between the John Howard Society's team and the Counties staff, as well as continuous collaboration with emergency services to ensure site safety.

“This program represents an important step in our broader strategy to support those who are unhoused in our region. We are committed to continuing our efforts and exploring additional initiatives to address this critical issue. We are optimistic about the positive impact this program will have on our community and look forward to seeing the benefits it brings. This collaborative approach will help us build a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.” – Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, Corinna Smith-Gatcke

“It’s quite monumental. It took an awful lot of collaboration from the community to initiate this project. This is exactly the type of program and partnership that serves the most vulnerable in our community; this is something that is transformational for a number of individuals who deserve the very best.” - MP Michael Barrett

“We can now start to move from getting people through the night, to getting them back on their feet. Tackling homelessness is no small feat, it takes collaboration, resources, and dedication.” - Mayor of Brockville, Matt Wren

“We want to make sure this population is not static and ensure we have successes from this program. I have a great deal of confidence in the John Howard Society’s ability to work in partnership with other agencies in the community to really deliver success stories.” - Chair of the Joint Services Committee of Leeds and Grenville, Brant Burrow

The Pathways Supportive Cabins Program is just the beginning of a broader strategy to support those who are unhoused in the region. The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is committed to continuing its efforts and exploring additional initiatives to address this critical issue. By working together, the community can create meaningful and lasting change in the lives of many individuals, building a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.