By Grant Warkentin
The non-profit society which runs the successful Homewood Village is now launching a mobile outreach program for people at risk from toxic drugs.
The program will be led by the city in partnership with Lookout Housing and Health Society, and funded by the federal health ministry.
The society already operates similar programs in Langley, Aldergrove, Delta, and White Rock.
“This investment from Health Canada allows us to meet people where they are, with dignity and practical support,” said Shayne Williams, Lookout’s CEO, in a statement. “The program reduces barriers to care, offering trauma-informed outreach, and we’re proud to work alongside the city of Campbell River and community partners to deliver this immediate and sustainable response.”
According to the city’s statement, the program will focus on supporting people at the highest risk of overdose and death from toxic illegal drugs, as well as their families, peers, and community members, through a “rapid, community-based overdose response.” It will offer assessments, transportation to appointments and support during those appointments, and assistance navigating complex systems like access to housing.
The program will “reduce reliance on emergency response services, strengthen coordination of care, and support individuals in building coping strategies and skill development, while encouraging voluntary connections to treatment and recovery pathways,” the statement says.
“The public health crisis resulting from toxic drugs has had a devastating impact on our community,” said Mayor Kermit Dahl. “We are grateful for this funding from Health Canada and our growing partnership with Lookout Housing and Health Society. The Mobile Outreach Program will help connect people to care, reduce pressure on emergency services, and create more opportunities for individuals to stabilize and move forward in our community.
“We will continue working with partners across all levels of government to advocate for expanded access to recovery and supportive housing, building on important steps like this program and the Homewood Temporary Housing initiative.”
Health Canada has approved $1,140,313 in funding for the program to run in 2026 and 2027. It will cover costs for an expanded outreach team run by Lookout, including a program coordinator, two outreach workers, a mental health support worker/recreation therapist, and trained peer workers with lived experience. It will also support three additional positions including two community support officers and a community safety coordinator.
Featured image: Lookout’s outreach service at work in the Lower Mainland. Photo from Lookout Housing and Health Society
Leave a Reply