Media Release: TBDSSAB provides funding to Shelter House for return of SOS program
July 3, 2025 – The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) has provided funding to Shelter House Thunder Bay for the SOS Program.
Representatives from the Shelter House, TBDSSAB, Lakehead Social Planning Council (LSPC), and The Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre (TBIFC) gathered today in Thunder Bay to celebrate the return of the SOS Program and speak to its community impact.
The SOS Program’s goal is to ensure that every person who is unhoused and without shelter can access support and transportation to appropriate services. The program resumed operations on June 30, 2025. The SOS Program is funded by TBDSSAB, LSPC and TBIFC in a collaborative funding partnership to ensure that their important service is able to operate.
The SOS (Street Outreach Services) program will provide outreach services through a mobile response unit offering transportation for unhoused individuals to the most appropriate emergency shelter or community service, including withdrawal-management services. The SOS program will also provide response services in situations where an individual is publicly intoxicated, without shelter, and withdrawal-management services are not applicable. Finally, SOS will support people sleeping outdoors through the provision of essential needs (food, warm clothing, etc.), and to encourage individuals to move indoors to emergency shelter spaces.
TBDSSAB will provide $75,000 in annualized operating funding through the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) to the SOS program. HPP is a provincially funded program that aims to prevent, reduce, and address homelessness. Through HPP, TBDSSAB funds multiple homelessness prevention initiatives, including supportive housing, community outreach and support services, housing assistance and emergency shelter solutions.
Quotes
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) through their Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP), the Lakehead Social Planning Council (LSPC), and the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre (TBIFC) for their critical support of the Street Outreach Services (SOS) program. Their investments have made it possible for Shelter House to revive this vital initiative at a time when it is needed most. Thanks to their commitment, our outreach team is once again providing a lifeline to those facing houselessness, connecting some of our community’s most systemically vulnerable members with essential supports, compassion, and hope.” – Brendan Carlin, Executive Director, Shelter House
“On behalf of the Board, it is an honour to support the return of the SOS program. During its years of operation, this program was a lifeline for many individuals in our community. We look forward to supporting the program in its rebirth and seeing the positive impact is has on our community.” – Brian Hamilton, Chair, TBDSSAB
Background
- The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board supports people to improve their lives and become self-sufficient. It does this as the service system manager for vital, quality social services needed by individuals and families – including child care and early years, community housing, and homelessness prevention – and through the delivery of Ontario Works. Visit the TBDSSAB website for more information: tbdssab.ca.
- Shelter House offers emergency relief and essential resources in Thunder Bay. We provide food, shelter, and aid to those needing a fresh start. Visit shelterhouse.on.ca/ for more information.
Related News
June 27, 2025: TBNewsWatch, Local partners offer a ‘lifeline’ to resurrect SOS program
Download:
2025-07-03 TBDSSAB SOS Program Funding Media Release (PDF, 191kb)
