Housing and Homelessness

An encampment is a place where people live unsheltered often in tents, shanties and / or tarps.

We ask residents to call 211 to connect with Niagara Assertive Street Outreach (NASO). The process is simple:

1. Call 211
2. Ask to be directed to Niagara Assertive Street Outreach (NASO)
3. 211 will transfer your call to a voicemail box that is immediately dispatched to the NASO team to coordinate and action appropriately. Messages can be left 24 hours a day, seven days a week
4. Leave a Voicemail with the following details

• Reason for calling (i.e. I’m calling to report an encampment or someone living unsheltered)
• Location of individuals (including address, intersection and landmarks)
• Description of individuals (if available)
• General concerns
• A name and number that you can be reached at in case NASO has more questions
   

Trained Outreach workers from NASO attend the encampment site and respond directly to an individual’s unique needs by bringing coordinated services from across the Homeless-Serving System to the individual. Outreach workers help them transition to safer and appropriate accommodations.

An encampment site is only scheduled to be cleaned once everyone at that location has been assessed; offered safe and appropriate indoor space, when available; and notice has been provided to give people time to collect their belongings.

NASO is an evidence-based, housing-focused program within the Niagara Region which:

• Engages with people living in the rough to create pathways into housing 
• Provides standardized intake, triage and assessment to measure a person's vulnerability and help to identify appropriate housing resources
• Minimizes the harmful effects of living unsheltered while working towards long-term housing solutions
• Delivers case coordination along with government and non-profit organizations to support those who may be reluctant to use traditional services
• Provides an intensive and coordinated team approach to identify and work towards personal goals
   

Individuals living unsheltered or in encampments are part of our community and the goal is to connect individuals with the appropriate support services.  If you witness people living rough, please call 211 and ask to leave a voicemail for NASO as outlined above.

If an emergency, call 911.

To report a crime, contact the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) at 905.688.4111 or the toll-free number is 1.888.668.3911. 

Regardless of the crime, it is important to report any illegal activity to NRPS. This assists in identifying areas requiring police services and aids in investigating ongoing / repeat crime.

Please call 911 so that emergency medical attention can be dispatched.

The Town of Lincoln supports efforts by the Niagara Region as the upper-tier municipal government related to housing and homelessness, by encouraging the creation of affordable housing, assisting agencies providing direct services related to housing and homelessness, and ensuring safe public spaces for all.

The Niagara Region is responsible for social services such as housing, shelter and homelessness, and offer a full array of programs and services related to housing and homelessness.