Call or text 519-373-6263 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., 7 days/week)
Need help outside NRT hours or unsure who to contact? 211 can guide you 24/7
NEIGHBOURHOOD RESPONSE
TEAM
NEIGHBOURHOOD RESPONSE TEAM (NRT)... pilot project
Hello, we're here!
Meet the Neighbourhood Response Team, a compassionate, on-the-ground social navigation team helping residents, businesses, and visitors in Owen Sound’s River District and surrounding area. Left to right, Linda, Ashleigh, Kurt, and Karen.
What is the NRT?
The Neighbourhood Response Team (NRT) is a Safe ’N Sound social response program delivered in partnership with Supportive Outreach Services (SOS), the County of Grey, and the City of Owen Sound. The team supports people experiencing distress or homelessness, and responds to non-emergency concerns from businesses and the community. They focus on harm reduction: de-escalation, connection to services, and practical help that keeps our downtown welcoming for everyone.
Why this program exists
Downtowns thrive when people feel safe, respected, and connected. The NRT bridges gaps between people, services, and places, offering timely support to individuals, while helping businesses and residents resolve non-emergency issues in a trauma-informed, non-judgmental way. The 6 month pilot funding is provided by the Federal Government and flows through the County of Grey and the SOS program. *see below to answer the question, what is a pilot project?*
Who to call (quick guide)
-
Call or text NRT (9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., 7 days/week): 519-373-6263
-
Need help outside NRT hours or unsure who to contact? 211 can guide you 24/7.
-
Emergency or immediate danger? Call 911.
What the NRT can help with
(which are all a form of harm reduction)
-
De-escalation and support for people in distress.
-
A person resting in a storefront entry or talking to themselves (not aggressive).
-
A person asking for help finding shelter, food, or other supports.
-
A person digging through garbage.
-
Business and community assistance for non-emergency concerns, including:
-
Remove abandoned clothing, bedding, belongings in most cases
-
Sharps or other substance-use equipment
-
Human excrement
-
Staff or customers feeling scared or uncomfortable
-
System navigation: connections to housing, shelter, health, and community services.
-
Relationship-building with businesses and residents.
-
Basic first aid and naloxone.
Service area
The NRT focuses on Owen Sound’s River District and nearby neighbourhoods. Use the map below to confirm whether your location is within the service area. If you’re outside the boundary, we’ll still try to connect you with the right service.
What the NRT cannot do
-
Forcibly remove people from stores, doorways, or public spaces.
-
Retrieve stolen property or intervene in theft.
-
Provide medical support beyond basic first aid/CPR/naloxone.
-
Replace police, paramedics, or other emergency services.
What is a pilot project?
Currently, the Neighbourhood Response Team is a 6 month harm reduction pilot project. But what does that mean?
A pilot project is a time-limited “test run” of a new service so we can learn what works, what doesn’t, and what impact it has before long-term funding is committed. During the pilot, we track results (response times, number of people helped, business support provided, connections to services), gather stories from the community, and refine how the team operates. Because pilot funding ends by design, continued operation isn’t guaranteed; we must show clear community need and proven results to secure future grants and municipal support.
Your feedback, testimonials, and participation are critical evidence that the NRT is making a difference. When you share your experience, complete our form, or voice your support, you help us demonstrate value to funders—strengthening our case for sustainable funding so the program can continue and improve.
Feedback form.
Help us improve the NRT
This program is new and still evolving. If you’ve interacted with the team, as a business, resident, or someone who received help, please share your experience. Your feedback will guide service improvements and support future funding opportunities.
Appreciation.
Thank you to the funding program provider
