Meeting People Where They Are: The S.O.S. Story of Community Impact

Abstract

Supportive Outreach Services (S.O.S.) is a mobile, cross-sector initiative operating in Grey County, Ontario, that brings care directly to individuals facing homelessness, addiction, mental illness, and poverty. Emerging from a grassroots pandemic response in 2021, S.O.S. has evolved into a person-centered, harm reduction-oriented model grounded in mobility, relationship-building, and cross-sector collaboration. This report presents the findings of a qualitative assessment conducted by researchers from the Centre for Education Research & Innovation (CERI) at Western University. The goal of the study was to capture and analyze the experiences of those involved in the S.O.S. initiative, both in delivering and receiving services.