R.O.C.K. Missions’ Peer-2-Peer Program has received a major boost.
Thanks to a $600,000 Grow Grant from the Trillium Foundation, the non-profit will be able to expand its outreach work over the next three years.
R.O.C.K.’s executive director said the money will be used to address issues associated with inequity and mental health.
“Increasing opportunities for connection and belonging are critical to our community’s collective houselessness response, as well as addressing the increasing social divide, negative mental health and isolation,” said Renee Geniole in a media release. “Recent years have laid bare the deep inequities in our programs and structures that have long existed. R.O.C.K. is excited to continue to build on the work already being done by our team of diverse and amazing individuals, while making a significant impact in Chatham-Kent with a population who deserves as much support as everyone else.”
Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones said the Trillium funding will strengthen the “important and compassionate” work carried out by R.O.C.K. Missions to assist people experiencing homelessness.
“By fostering meaningful connections, promoting dignity, and building a deeper sense of belonging, R.O.C.K. Missions is making a lasting difference in the lives of our most vulnerable residents,” Jones said. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact this funding will have over the next three years.”
According to the release, the money will be used to “build meaningful connections and belonging” among the unhoused through outreach, drop-in services, peer support, community education and awareness building.
The Peer-2-Peer Program was built from the ground up, officials said, to develop, expand, and support peer-led outreach and overdose response interventions in marginalized neighbourhoods in Chatham-Kent, through community-driven, collaborative, trauma and violence informed care approaches.
Much of R.O.C.K.’s approach is drawn from those with lived experience. The Peer-2-Peer program address the overdose crisis in Chatham-Kent, ensuring those impacted by homelessness and the war on people who use drugs have access to harm reduction and overdose response services.
To learn more about R.O.C.K., visit www.reachoutck.com online.
