City of Stratford Encampment Response

The City of Stratford is aware of encampments within our community, including the site near the Downie Street parking lot.

As the City’s lead for housing and homelessness services, our Social Services department continues to work directly with individuals at these locations to support their immediate safety and well-being, while also helping them move toward permanent, appropriate housing.

This work is supported through the City’s encampment response process, which brings together a number of municipal departments, including Social Services, Police, Fire, Infrastructure and Development Services, Community Services, and Building and Planning. This coordinated approach is essential in helping us respond thoughtfully and responsibly to a complex issue that affects both vulnerable individuals and the broader community.

Each department has an important role to play. Together, we are working to balance compassion with public safety, service access with site considerations, and immediate response with longer-term housing goals. This collaboration allows us to better assess needs, coordinate actions, and connect individuals with the services and supports that may help stabilize their situation.

We also continue to work closely with community agency partners that bring specialized expertise such as community paramedicine and mental health and addiction supports.

Homelessness is a complex issue, and there is no single solution or single organization that can address it alone. Progress depends on strong partnerships, coordinated responses, and a shared commitment to supporting people with dignity and respect.

Our collective goal remains clear: to reduce chronic homelessness in Stratford and to help ensure that more people have access to safe, supportive, stable, and appropriate housing.