Mayor Joe Preston and Danielle Neilson Honoured with National Awards for Efforts to End Homelessness

The City of St. Thomas is celebrating national recognition for two of its leaders whose dedication, vision and commitment have helped transform the regional approach across St. Thomas and Elgin County to addressing homelessness.

Mayor Joe Preston and Danielle Neilson, Acting Director of St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services, were honoured at the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH) 2026 National Conference on Ending Homelessness in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on November 4.

Mayor Preston received the Municipal Leadership Award, while Neilson was presented with the Individual Impact Award as part of CAEH's inaugural National Homelessness Reduction Awards. The awards celebrate individuals, organizations and communities whose leadership is helping end homelessness across Canada.

Mayor Preston's Municipal Leadership Award recognizes his commitment to making housing, homelessness and community well-being key priorities for the City of St. Thomas. Under his leadership, the City has moved beyond simply managing homelessness toward building a coordinated system focused on prevention, affordable and supportive housing, and services that help individuals achieve long-term housing stability and independence.

This collaborative approach across St. Thomas and Elgin County has delivered significant results. Over the past three years, St. Thomas-Elgin has reduced overall homelessness by nearly 50 per cent and achieved functional zero veteran homelessness, demonstrating the impact of strong municipal leadership and community partnerships.

"This award is an incredible honour, but it truly belongs to our entire community," said Mayor Preston. "We made a commitment to do things differently, to bring people together and focus on real solutions that change lives. The progress we have made reflects the dedication of our staff, community partners, frontline workers and everyone who believes that homelessness can be solved. I am tremendously proud of what the City of St. Thomas has accomplished."

Neilson's Individual Impact Award recognizes her exceptional leadership in strengthening the coordinated and compassionate response to homelessness across the City of St. Thomas and Elgin County.  Through her work with St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services, Neilson has brought together municipal departments, housing organizations, healthcare providers and community agencies around a shared goal of making homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.  Her leadership has helped produce measurable results, including housing hundreds of individuals, expanding affordable and supportive housing opportunities, improving access to healthcare and essential services, and achieving functional zero veteran homelessness.

"This recognition is a reflection of the incredible people and partnerships that make this work possible," said Neilson. "Every person who finds a safe and stable place to call home represents a life changed. Our community has demonstrated that when we work together, share a common vision and remain focused on solutions, we can make meaningful progress toward ending homelessness."

The national recognition reflects the collective efforts of the City of St. Thomas, Elgin County, St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services and numerous community partners who have worked together to develop innovative and sustainable housing solutions.

Initiatives such as Project Tiny Hope, Balaclava Crossing, The Station, Railway City Lofts and other affordable and supportive housing developments have expanded local housing opportunities, while investments in prevention, diversion and coordinated services are helping individuals and families access the supports they need.

"To have two of our leaders recognized on the national stage is an extraordinary achievement for St. Thomas," said Lisa Higgs, City Manager. "Mayor Preston and Danielle have demonstrated what is possible when strong leadership is combined with compassion, innovation and collaboration. These awards also recognize the tireless efforts of our staff and community partners who are making a meaningful difference every day."

The inaugural National Homelessness Reduction Awards recognized six individuals and organizations from across Canada for their contributions to ending homelessness.

As the City of St. Thomas and Elgin County move forward with the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan 2026–2036, St. Thomas-Elgin remains committed to building on this progress, strengthening partnerships and continuing its work toward a future where everyone has access to safe, stable and affordable housing.

These national honours are a proud moment for the City of St. Thomas and Elgin County and a powerful recognition of what can be accomplished when an entire community comes together with a shared purpose.

Learn more about the CAEH’s National Homelessness Reduction Awards