LAURIE WEIR

The state of homelessness in Lanark County is on the rise. 

Emily Hollington, director of social services for Lanark County, shared with Town of Carleton Place during its regular committee of the whole meeting on Jan. 28, the work being done at the county level to address it. She shared stats and information including on the operations of Bridge House, a transitional housing facility in Smiths Falls for people experiencing homelessness.

Hollington had some alarming statistics about the growing homelessness crisis in Ontario. In 2023, there were 1,400 encampments in the province, and more than 81,000 Ontarians experienced homelessness, a 25 per cent increase from 2022.

“While we’re in the middle of a housing crisis, we are also facing a mental health and substance abuse crisis,” Hollington explained. “These issues make people more vulnerable to homelessness.” Conversely, homelessness exacerbates mental health and substance abuse problems, she added.

Hollington noted that systemic and structural failures, along with individual circumstances, contribute to the crisis. In 2016, Ontario had 1,670 people listed as homeless; by 2024, that number had increased to over 4,200.

In Lanark County, 81 people were listed as homeless in December 2024: 15 of them seniors, 38 adults, and the remainder children and youth. The municipal breakdown includes 31 homeless individuals in Smiths Falls, 13 in Perth, and nine households in Carleton Place.

How do we solve this?

Municipalities need to adopt a human rights-based approach to homelessness, Hollington said. Simply enforcing evictions on public property won’t solve the issue. “It’s not only ineffective but also harmful,” she added.

Lanark County operates a Housing Assistance Program that disbursed $618,000 last year to assist 1,300 households with rent arrears, utility deposits, hotel stays, and other necessities.

Hollington emphasized the importance of connecting homeless individuals with support services, specifically encouraging people to refer them to the By Name List, which helps track individuals in need of housing, and provides access to the necessary resources.

“That’s the best way to get someone housed,” she said.

The county also provides coordinated outreach, ensuring that people in need receive targeted assistance. “When someone is sleeping outside, that tent is their home,” Hollington noted. “Our job is not to show up uninvited but to coordinate with the By Name List committee to offer effective help.”

Bridge House, located in Smiths Falls, provides 22 beds and operates under the support of county council. It is managed by Lanark County Mental Health and offers harm reduction services, immediate access to psychiatric care, and a nurse practitioner. Hollington stated that residents can stay at Bridge House as long as needed before transitioning to permanent housing.

For those experiencing homelessness, Hollington urged them to reach out to the county office at 613-267-4200 ext. 2140 or 1-888-952-6275, or email ss@lanarkcounty.ca. For after-hours emergencies, the contact is 613-206-1486.

Questions from council

Coun. Linda Seccaspina raised some common questions she receives from concerned citizens, particularly around what the town can do to help.

Hollington stressed that municipal roles in homelessness prevention are limited. “Addressing homelessness requires trained professionals—social workers, harm reduction experts, and mental health specialists,” she said.

Seccaspina also asked what residents should do if they spot an encampment. Hollington responded that there are currently no known encampments in Lanark County, but she urged the public to report any sightings to the county. This information is vital for compiling accurate data that helps guide the allocation of resources, she stressed.

Seccaspina also inquired about how local groups, such as churches filling backpacks with supplies, can contribute. Hollington recommended reaching out to the county to ensure that donations are coordinated with agencies like Cornerstone Landing or Lanark County Interval House, who can help.

“If you’re homeless in Lanark County, we will help everybody,” she said.

Support and success stories

Mayor Toby Randell praised the transformative work at Bridge House. “Emily showed me a video of the people staying there, and it’s incredible,” he said. 

Some of these individuals have experienced chronic homelessness for years, and seeing them stabilize in housing is inspiring. They have had people transition out of Bridge House into stable housing, return to school, and get sober after seeking addiction treatment, the mayor noted.

Thanks to county council’s support, the number of beds at Bridge House has increased from the original eight. Randell emphasized the significance of even small increases in capacity.

“A small expansion can make a huge difference in people’s lives,” he said. “It’s not just about beds—it’s about giving people the stability they need to rebuild their lives.”

Randell expressed gratitude for Hollington’s and the county staff’s efforts. “You really are like angels to these people,” he said. “You deserve all the kudos you get.”