Caring for Community. Together.

Welcoming Streets

Supporting business and property owners in the development of a safe, inclusive, and supportive community that addresses the diverse needs of all involved, while assisting individuals in accessing community services.

Welcoming Streets is a street outreach initiative in Kingston's downtown core designed to address the increase of individuals in public spaces suffering from mental health and/or addictions related challenges.

Launched in 2023, the program fosters a compassionate, inclusive, and supportive environment for all members of the downtown community. Experienced outreach stewards engage with vulnerable individuals on a daily basis to help connect them with local service providers and community organizations. In addition, Welcoming Streets Outreach Stewards support downtown business and property owners in an effort to develop a safe and inclusive community that addresses the diverse needs of all involved.

Caring for community. Together.

Inclusive

We aim to create an inclusive downtown environment where individuals from all walks of life feel valued, respected, and included in the community. By building authentic relationships challenges are easier to solve together.

Supportive

By providing support, resources, and fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for our local businesses, residents, and visitors, Kingston will continue to grow and thrive as one of  Ontario's most vibrant downtown cores.

Engaging

Empowerment through connection creates support systems that help both businesses and marginalized individuals. These systems provide resources and address immediate needs, build resilience, and promote long-term well-being.

Who to call

Welcoming Streets offers valuable training, resources, and assistance to maintain the safety of our community while promoting a balanced approach that emphasizes both compassion and enforcement when needed. By providing the necessary tools to navigate challenging situations, we cultivate a culture of understanding and cooperation that benefits everyone in the downtown Kingston area.

If you find yourself in a situation that is beyond your control,
consider using the resources below for help.

Emergency, or crime being committed

If a crime is being committed or you feel unsafe

CALL 911

Mental health/addiction crisis support

Call Welcoming Streets.
7 days a week, 9am-5pm

613-583-5008

Excessive garbage, abandoned shopping carts

Abandoned garbage, trash or shopping carts, call By-law:

613-546-4291 ext: 3135

Police Non-emergency

Police assistance needed but it is not an emergency:

613-549-4660
ext 2244

Situation Escalates

If the situation escalates while waiting for assistance

CALL 911.

After Hours Crisis

Mental Health & Addictions Support 24 hours/ 7 Days a week.

613-544-4229

More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Our team carries a variety of basic necessity items including water, snacks, naloxone, and socks or other seasonal necessities when feasible. We also bring with us our knowledge of the various Kingston agencies in order to make referrals and connect individuals to the services they need. 

Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach that aims to reduce the health and social harms associated with substance use and addiction. It is a non-judgmental approach that engages individuals "where they are at" in their substance use with a focus on safety and risk reduction. The utilization of harm reduction supplies, naloxone, safer use methods, and proper disposal of used supplies, enhances safety on an individual and community level. 

Harm reduction approaches have several benefits, including reducing the transmission of infectious diseases, preventing overdose deaths, reducing drug-related crimes, and increasing access to health and social services. Additionally, harm reduction practices help foster a more compassionate and supportive environment for individuals struggling with substance use.

At Welcoming Streets, we implement various harm reduction strategies, such as providing clean supplies, overdose prevention and response training, referrals to addiction treatment services, and offering educational resources. We strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for individuals facing challenges related to substance use.

Naloxone (Sometimes referred to by the brand name, Narcan) is a fast acting drug used to temporarily reverse the effects of opiod overdoses. Our outreach team carries Naloxone to respond in the cases of an overdose, as well as to provide to clients when requrested.

If you come across an individual that you suspect to be experienging a mental health or addictions related crisis in downtown Kingston, your first point of contact is Welcoming Streets. We can be reached from 9am-5pm seven days a week at 613-583-5008. If you are seeking support outside of those hours, contact the AMHS Crisis line at 613-544-4229. If you are unsure who to contact in a given situation, refer to our "Who to call" poster to help guide you. 

The success of the Welcoming Streets program is in the meaningful interactions with clients, local businesses, and community members. Utilizing the service is a great way to help because it allows us the opportunity to connect with members of our community who are in need of assistance and to connect them to the appropriate services. It also allows for us to divert non-emergency situations away from emergency services in order to keep the lines clear for those who need to access them. 

There are a number of other ways for you to support the cause. Visit our "How to Help" page for a list of ways you can support the Welcoming Streets program as well as our partner organizations.