Welcoming Streets Pilot

A Safe, Inclusive & Welcoming Downtown for All

The Welcoming Streets Pilot program supports the downtown community in creating a safer space for all. Working with businesses, residents and vulnerable people in Downtown Brampton, the Welcoming Streets Leaders will provide support in situations that do not require police intervention and engage with members of the community to ensure they are connected with the services they need.

Meet our Welcoming Streets Leaders:

Adedotun Olanrewaju
Mon-Wed, 8:30am - 5:30pm
416-602-6304

Bernadeth Donato
Mon-Wed, 8:30am - 5:30pm
416-294-2509

Jude Emu
Wed-Fri, 11:30am - 8:30pm
647-204-1845

Khimani Williams
Wed-Fri, 11:30am - 8:30pm
416-569-1472

Contact the Welcoming Streets leaders for:

Client de-escalation/in distress
Client support/referrals
Resources for businesses
Client safety concerns (drug/alcohol use/fear of overdose)
Client sleeping on your property

Email: welcomingstreets@brampton.ca

Background

In June 2021, the Region of Peel approved $250,000 in funding for a 12 month Welcoming Streets pilot program for Downtown Brampton. The pilot program launched in February 2022.

FAQs

What is the purpose of this program and expected outcomes?: The purpose of the program is to address concerns raised by the Downtown Brampton Business Improvement Area (DBBIA) and their members about the gaps identified on issues affecting businesses and individuals in need. It includes four outreach workers (Welcoming Streets Leaders), who are responsible for improving relationships between individuals in need, business owners, visitors, and the downtown community. The program supports businesses in the downtown by playing the role of intermediary between business owners and individuals experiencing homelessness and refers those in need to support services they may require.
What led to the creation of this program?: Concerns expressed by the businesses about the number of homeless/individuals in need spending time in the downtown led to the creation of this program. The downtown businesses want their employees and customers to feel comfortable and enjoy all the amenities downtown Brampton has to offer.

Businesses want these individuals to be given assistance and directed to the support services that are available.
Who does this program support?: Downtown businesses, customers, visitors to downtown Brampton, and those in need.
What if the person in need doesn’t want help?: Those in need have the right to self-determination and the choice to decline help. Welcoming Streets Leaders will do their best to assist clients and highlight the different social support avenues available. Leaders will also work closely with local security and police force to ensure that community members are treated fairly without discrimination.
Community/social services to help populations in need already operate in downtown Brampton; why is the Welcoming Streets initiative necessary?: The aim of the Welcoming Streets initiative is to provide timely responses to businesses’ requests for assistance with individuals experiencing homelessness and loitering. The program aspires to enhance communication and collaboration among stakeholders, as well as improve perceptions of community safety and well-being. The initiative will offer more options to resolve issues outside of police involvement and security responses. WSI also aims to provide improved support to vulnerable populations in accessing programs and services to improve their outcomes.
Who is funding this program?: Funding for the pilot program is provided by the Region of Peel.
What happens at the end of the pilot?: At the end of the pilot, the Region of Peel in consultation with the City of Brampton and key stakeholders will report back to Regional Council on the results of the program, key findings and recommendations for continuing with the program.
I’m a business in downtown Brampton, how do I access this service?: Businesses will be given the contact information including phone numbers for the Welcoming Street Leaders and the hours that they work. Businesses can also email welcomingstreets@brampton.ca.
I’m a person in need in downtown Brampton, how can this service help me?: The WSI takes a community-based and anti-oppressive approach to intervening in situations involving businesses and vulnerable members of the downtown Brampton community. If there is an individual that appears to be experiencing homelessness, loitering, sleeping and or making businesses, employees or customers generally uncomfortable; they can contact a Welcoming Streets Leaders to intervene, attempt establish a connection with the individual and refer them to appropriate resources.
Are Welcoming Streets Leaders trained to deal with vulnerable populations?: Staff employed are equipped with the education, training and experiences required to efficiently and adequately support those experiencing all forms of homelessness, mental illness, overdose prevention, addictions and/or conflict with the law.
If there is an emergency, do I call Welcoming Streets Leaders?: If there is an emergency, do not call Welcoming Streets Leaders. If there is an emergency such as a crime in progress, medical emergency, or fire, call 911.
How do I report online property theft, damage to property, damage to vehicle or a driving complaint?: Go to peelpolice.ca
Who do I reach out to if I have an issue with garbage, trip hazards, parking, graffiti, and property upkeep, or I see a sick or injured animal?: Email: 311@brampton.ca, call 3-1-1 or download the 3-1-1 app and file a service request.
Who does this program serve?: This program supports downtown business owners and also vulnerable individuals in the area. These individuals are often struggling with complex issues, such as poverty, mental health and addiction, homelessness, and who are disengaged from the health and social service system.

This initiative is the result of an innovative partnership between the Region of Peel and the City of Brampton, with support from community partners such as Peel Regional Police, CMHA, Regeneration and the Downtown Brampton BIA.
What will Welcoming Streets staff deal with?: Welcoming Streets staff will respond to concerns identified by business owners, police, the public and other stakeholders by engaging vulnerable individuals and providing services such as support, referrals, and de-escalation.

​Meet our Welcoming Streets Leaders:

Contact the Welcoming Streets leaders for:

​Background​

FAQs

Meet our Welcoming Streets Leaders:

Background