Perth County paramedics launch summer care kits for people experiencing homelessness
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
By Amanda Nelson
While responding to a call, Perth County paramedic Nicole Player recognized a need in the community and decided to bring a new idea forward to the Perth County Paramedic Services Community Care Fund.
"The idea for the community care kits came from a call I attended for someone experiencing homelessness who declined transport to the hospital," she said. "As paramedics, we often respond to calls where the person doesn't end up needing or wanting to be transported to the hospital. We were in a rural part of the county where access to community resources can be limited, and it didn't sit right with me to leave knowing we couldn't offer anything beyond medical care."
She said the experience inspired her to develop an initiative to distribute care kits containing summer essentials to people experiencing homelessness.
"The goal was to create something simple that our crews could carry and provide in the moment, when someone needs a little extra support," she said.
The care kits are intended to provide relief by supplying much-needed items during the summer months. Each kit includes sunscreen, electrolyte beverages, bug spray and personal care items to help individuals stay safe, hydrated and healthy, particularly during periods of hot weather.
The initiative is funded through the Perth County Paramedic Services Community Care Fund, which supports projects and initiatives that improve the wellbeing of vulnerable residents throughout Perth County.
The fund was established in 2015 after paramedics noticed many people wanted to express their gratitude through monetary donations or gifts. Instead, Perth County Paramedic Services created the fund to accept donations that could be reinvested into the community. The fund is also supported through payroll contributions from paramedics.
"When someone brings forward an initiative, like Nicole, we have funds available to help," said Tristan Barter, deputy chief of operations with Perth County Paramedic Services. "The suggestion is brought to the committee, and we decide how to use the funds to help the community."
Other initiatives supported by the fund include Christmas hampers, assistance for families and children in need, taxi rides for people who cannot afford transportation to and from the hospital, dry socks for people experiencing homelessness and food vouchers.
"We really try to talk to people and learn what our communities need," said Debbie Hunter, deputy chief of mobile integrated health supporting the Community Paramedic Program in Perth County. "Whether that's kids, older adults, those experiencing homelessness or even someone working outside all summer, we want to help everyone."
Beyond the physical items in the care kits, Player said they provide another opportunity for paramedics to connect with vulnerable members of the community and start conversations.
"I hope these care kits remind people that they're seen and that someone cares," said Player. "Sometimes a bottle of water, sunscreen or bug spray won't solve the challenges someone is facing, but it can make their day a little easier and show compassion in a moment when it's needed most.
"At the end of the day, we're all members of the same community, and everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness and respect."
In addition to personal care items, the kits include information on accessing local community support services. A total of 100 care kits will be distributed by Perth County paramedics throughout the summer.
For more information or to donate to the Perth County Paramedic Services Community Care Fund, visit the Perth County website at
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