Downtown Belleville’s Welcoming Streets Program is ending.
The program, a bridge between downtown businesses and individuals experiencing challenges related to mental health, substance use, and homelessness will conclude March 31.
Funded by Hastings County, the City of Belleville, and most recently the Community Safety and Policing grant through Belleville Police Services, the program has been operating since 2021.
Despite the end of Welcoming Streets, the Downtown Belleville District Business Improvement Area says it will continue to focus on its primary mandate of promoting and supporting local businesses and encourages social service agencies and community partners to continue the program’s mission of creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive downtown environment.
“I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible staff of the Welcoming Streets Program for their unwavering dedication over the past four years. Their work has been instrumental in creating a more supportive downtown environment, and their impact will be felt for years to come,” said Danielle Hanoman, Executive Director of the Downtown Belleville District Business Improvement Area.
“As we celebrate the program’s achievements, we are reminded of the power of collaboration and the importance of continuing this vital work within our community,” Hanoman said.
“The Welcoming Streets Program has truly been a community effort, bringing people together to find solutions and foster understanding and build empathy,” said Sara Behring, Director of Community Outreach. “I’m grateful for the partnerships we’ve built and the lives we’ve touched since 2021.”
To celebrate the accomplishments of Welcoming Streets and the dedication of its staff, partners, and community supporters, the program invites the public to an open house on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Belleville Public Library. This gathering will highlight the program’s journey, achievements, and contributions to the downtown community since its launch.