Welcoming Streets Facilitating Change in Downtown Belleville
Downtown Belleville’s Welcoming Streets Steward, Sara Behring, has been working since June to forward the Welcoming Streets initiative. She has been building connections with the vulnerable population to reduce calls to the Belleville Police Service, assisting Downtown businesses and offering connections to local support organizations.
So far, there has already been a reduction of calls to police services where they do not need to be involved. Downtown businesses are encouraged to contact Sara when possible to assist with situations like a client in distress, drug paraphernalia removal, resources for businesses and more.
The hope is that the connections Sara builds are nurturing and positive to create safe solutions when needed, and according to Sara, she has already witnessed change.
“Connections being made really makes a huge difference,” says Sara. “Sometimes people need someone to talk to, but also someone to support them with navigating the system. Not everyone knows what supports are available and how they may go about accessing them.
This initiative is expected to create a more welcoming environment for not only the public but also the business community.
“In my short time Downtown, I’ve seen the Downtown community come together because of Welcoming Streets bridging the gap between business partners and community members,” says Sara.
Welcoming Streets works alongside local social service agencies and businesses to provide a collaborative approach to supporting individuals. Without them, it would not be possible to meet the needs of the community.
When asked about what brought her to be so passionate about the program, Sara said she generally just has this passion for helping others.
“Not supporting others in a way that I believe will help, but supporting them by appreciating their own lived experiences,” she says. “Truly listening to what an individual’s experiences, priorities, needs and wants are, allows for more relevant and individualized connections to be made.”
‘In terms of success, we’ve seen great strides thus far. Strong connections and rapport building with businesses and individuals who may be in need have been made,” Sara says. “This has led to more opportunities connecting individuals to the services they need, has provided businesses the opportunity to consider ways that may support the downtown community, and has been a stepping stone in supporting an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone.”
Businesses are encouraged to connect with Sara by email at [email protected]. Sara is available Downtown Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm and occasional Saturdays.
