The encampment team requested that HELP attend a call beside the Bissell Centre to transport Melissa to the Navigation Centre. Once Melissa arrived at the Navigation Centre, she was able to connect with a team regarding identification, income, and housing. She disclosed that she had left a domestic violence situation the night prior and left her three children with her previous partner. She was concerned for her eldest child's well-being due to his autism diagnosis. The HELP team discussed getting connected to the Family Violence Unit and provided a contact for them. Melissa agreed to speak to the Navigation Centre about the emergency resources that were needed. The HELP team supported Melissa and her family with assistance from the Child at Risk Response Team (CARRT), as their mandate is dealing with children at imminent risk. With support from both teams, Melissa was able to create a plan for the next 12 hours for her previous partner to remain with her children until the following morning. The team also helped Melissa secure a bed at Karis Shelter for the night. The following morning, Melissa’s Mustard Seed Navigator spoke with the manager at WIN House, as they provide a safe place and emergency services for women, children, and non-binary individuals fleeing domestic abuse, and arranged for accommodation for Melissa and her son. The team then transported Melissa from Karis Shelter to WIN House and completed warm handoff. WIN House agreed to arrange transport for her eldest son to come and stay with her there, as arrangements had already been made for the other children.
*Name and other identifying information changed for privacy.
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