Report to the Community:
Homelessness & Affordable Housing Initiatives 2010 - 2011
Presented by The City of Red Deer and the Red Deer & District Community Foundation
Table of contents Paths into homelessness 2 Message from the Mayor
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Introduction 5 Ending homelessness in Red Deer
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Housing options (goal #1) 8 The road to a new home
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Support services (goal #2) 12 Getting back on track 13 Healthy relationships & awareness (goal #3) 14 Community garden, personal growth 17 Data & research (goal #4) 18 Motivation to change 19 Goals of community programs & activities
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Goals of funded projects 21 Finding some dignity, finding a home
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Looking to the future 23 Definitions
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Additional reading 25 Reports on housing & homelessness
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EveryOne’s Home Leadership Model 27
The unexpected paths into homelessness Sue was married, she had two children, she worked part-time. But then her average, normal life came to a crashing halt one day when she was involved in a serious car accident. Her injuries were severe – severe enough to require pain medications, which soon became her addiction, which soon controlled her life. While Sue was busy seeking out different physicians to fill her pain medication subscriptions, her husband became ill with cancer. He died suddenly, and Sue’s dependency on the drugs began to consume her. Sue’s children were apprehended and removed from their home; she lost guardianship of them. After spending several years living addicted to drugs, Sue was arrested and incarcerated for prescription fraud and multiple crimes. She spent two and a half years in jail. When she was released from jail, Sue had nothing. She moved into a car, and then began to support herself through a life of prostitution. One day, Sue walked into one of the partner agencies with the Red Deer Housing Team; she had a random request related to her health – she was also without hope and in a deep depression. The agency recognized that Sue should be involved with the Housing First project. Soon, she moved into her own apartment. Initially, Sue had no desire to make her space a home but, through the support of her case manager, she began to create a safe and happy place. She also sought medical help for her depression, secured a job, and attended all of her parole appointments. Life has completely turned around for Sue, and her personal growth has been tremendous. She recently reconnected with her mother, who lives in another community, and she plans to move closer to her natural support system.
Homelessness can strike anyone. Sometimes it happens because of economic downturns, marital break-ups, an abusive home life, a drug addiction, an illness, or a car accident. It can affect people you know, or your own family.
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When Sherry fled from her abusive boyfriend, she was scared. Staying with him, living with the violence, was no longer an option. Once she left him, though, she had no home, no money, no job. And she had a four-month-old baby. Sherry and her child arrived at the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter with only the clothes on their backs, and she spent hours crying while she told the outreach worker her story. From that day, she was determined to start a new life for herself and her baby. She got a job, became a college student, and moved closer to her family. With some support from the Road Home program, she turned her life around in just a year.
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Message from the Mayor Mayor Morris Flewwelling on homelessness
In the background of our busy community there is an abundance of excellent work, great thinking and commitment to Red Deer’s plan to end homelessness by 2018. Every now and again we see some very deliberate profile events and activities such as the We Care social marketing campaign, and most recently the work that has happened around a community framework to guide our collective work in ending homelessness. For the most part, though, this work is happening among a select group of individuals and agencies committed to making a difference in the lives of those most vulnerable. This past year has been about holding the course. Our community plans contain some excellent goals, objectives and principles. As a community, we are witnessing success by staying true to these goals while using the information we gather from the programs and services to adjust our specific strategies along the way. This has required that we are consistent in the information that we gather, consistent in the way we work with those at risk or impacted by homelessness, and consistent in the decisions we make as a community to address homelessness. Our direction for this work comes from the community plans that we’ve collectively developed. Earlier this year, I had the distinct pleasure of convening a number of key stakeholders from government departments, human service organizations and systems that all have roles in helping to end homelessness. It was an opportunity to “recalculate” – much like my GPS system recalculates when I make mid-course adjustments on my way to a destination. The question before us wasn’t about the journey itself, but rather about the route needed to get there. As a result, I’m pleased to acknowledge that a new framework has been developed, which is known as the EveryOne’s Home Leadership Model. This new model, which is shown on page 27, includes six working groups formed around the original goal areas within the 10-year plan, and a seventh working group focused on supporting the process and communications. This seventh working group is the place where The City, through our Social Planning department, will partner with the Red Deer & District Community Foundation to provide support and leadership. Since that meeting in April, a number of citizens and community organizations have come together to join the various working groups and determine the most realistic strategies to meet our broad goals and objectives – another example of the community making headway on our goal of ending homelessness in a meaningful and intentional manner. It gives me great pleasure to provide my thoughts and a little bit of context each year in our annual reports to the community. Homelessness is an important issue in Red Deer, so it’s critical that we let you know how well our strategies and services are working here in the community. I encourage you to reach out, get to know about the various programs and services, get involved with the EveryOne’s Home Leadership Model, and take every opportunity available to meet some of the wonderful people who call Red Deer home. We’ve helped to make that possible.
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Introduction It has been almost four years since Red Deer launched its Vision and Framework for Ending Homelessness, and we are now two years into EveryOne’s Home: Red Deer’s Five Year Plan Towards Ending Homelessness. The environment has changed since we first made these major commitments to ending homelessness. What has not changed, however, is our community’s resolve to break the cycle of homelessness. Together with the various levels of government, community organizations, and local partners, Red Deer has adopted and embraced a multifaceted approach to ending housing and homelessness issues in the community. One of the key elements of our approach has been the increase in initiatives that address long-term housing and support services. These initiatives respond to the needs of homeless/at risk individuals and shift the focus from offering emergency shelter to providing safe, affordable, and permanent housing – with appropriate supports to maintain that housing. With increased outreach and follow-up support through Housing First programs, more individuals and families have been housed and remained housed over the past year. Further, organizations in the delivery of housing programs and services have also been required to report on specific housing outcomes, and the community implemented some critical best practices to help achieve these outcomes. We now have assistance for clients through improved intake assessments, assertive outreach, landlord and tenant supports, and increased efficiency in operations. The adoption of these on-going best practices and strategies will help to ensure that organizations are effectively addressing their clients’ needs. The Vision and Framework on Ending Homelessness recognized that ending homelessness is not just about the provision of housing; it is also about creating a community environment that is accepting and tolerant. The work that will occur through the EveryOne’s Home Leadership Model, which is detailed on page 27, will continue to support this guiding principle. In this annual report, we’ll provide an overview of the programs, services, and community activities to end homelessness. We’ll also illustrate how these activities align with the community’s plans for the future. Plus, we’ll provide stories of individuals who have experienced homelessness. All of these factors – the people, the plans, and the programs – are inextricably entwined within the larger picture of ending homelessness. This report offers a snapshot of these factors and the progress we’ve made in the past year.
“H
omelessness is a complex challenge, and there is no single solution – no silver bullet – that will solve the issue. Addressing homelessness requires integrated, cross-ministerial work, and efforts from a number of sectors and social organizations. A Plan for Alberta, 2008
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Today, Corey found out that his company is downsizing – he lost his job. He hasn’t told his son yet. For just a couple more hours, Corey wants to pretend everything is normal.
Jason’s brother began using drugs a couple of years ago. It got pretty bad, and their parents kicked him out. Jason hopes his brother is living in a shelter – or getting help somewhere – but the truth is he just doesn’t know. He hopes his brother isn’t alone on the street.
Leah is worried about her father, who lives on a small pension. He desperately needs affordable housing – and more care. She doesn’t know where or how to get him the help he needs.
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Ending homelessness in Red Deer Red Deer is one of the few communities across Canada that has a 10-year plan to end homelessness. From the broad vision in this major plan, a shorter-term working document is helping to guide the planning process in Red Deer. EveryOne’s Home: Red Deer’s Five Year Plan Towards Ending Homelessness focuses on four encompassing goals to end homelessness in the community. Goal #1
Red Deer has sufficient housing options to meet the diverse and changing needs of our community members.
Goal #2
Individuals and families in Red Deer have access to support services whose primary focus is on maintaining housing or finding permanent housing.
Goal #3 Through awareness, healthy relationships, increased capacity and good communication Red Deer will end homelessness. Goal # 4
Red Deer has effective and reliable data systems for knowledge development on homelessness to support evidence-based decision making.
The work is ongoing and fluid; however, this report focuses on the time frame from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.
“T
he one thing all homeless people have in common is a lack of housing.
Whatever other problems they face, adequate, stable, affordable housing is a prerequisite to solving them. Homelessness may not be only a housing problem, but it is always a housing problem. Housing is necessary, although sometimes not
”
sufficient to solve the problem of homelessness. Cushing Dolbeare
Housing First is one approach Red Deer has adopted to end homelessness. This client-centred process is based on the belief that, before someone can break the cycle of homelessness, a safe and secure home is necessary with support services readily available. Housing First places priority on providing affordable, safe, and permanent housing quickly, with minimal requirements beyond a standard lease agreement. Services, such as medication support, drug or alcohol treatment and counseling are available as needed, but are not pre-requisites for Housing First.
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Housing options Goal #1
Red Deer has sufficient housing options to meet the diverse and changing needs of our community members.
Progress in the community
April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 – 223 secondary suites were approved through The City of Red Deer’s Secondary Suite Bylaw process. Fall, 2010 – Shining Mountains Living Community Services opened eight affordable housing units, which are located in two separate four-plexes. These units were possible because of provincial grant funding. October, 2010 – Bethany Care Society opened CollegeSide Gardens, a supportive living complex for seniors. This facility has 72 affordable studio apartments for seniors (as well as market-rate one and two-bedroom suites) for a total of 103 units. November, 2010 – Julietta’s Place opened. This 10-unit apartment building provides affordable housing for women and their children leaving domestic violence and abusive situations. Individuals may stay for up to 18 months as they transition to permanent housing. February, 2011 – River Valley Apartments, a 71-unit affordable housing apartment building, opened in downtown Red Deer. Apartment rentals are available for individuals, couples, or families. To rent a two-bedroom apartment, the renter’s income needs to be below $35,500. For a bachelor suite, the income of the renter needs to be below $25,000. Spring, 2011 – Renovations were completed on the West Park Apartments, resulting in 16 housing units for seniors with modest incomes. These renovations were funded through the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program,
Funded projects
The following projects are supported through grants that flow through The City of Red Deer from either the Province of Alberta’s Outreach and Support Services Initiative (OSSI) grant or the Government of Canada’s Homeless Partnering Strategy (HPS) grant. These projects also address the targets found within Goal #1. Red Deer Housing Team: A Housing Locator position was created with the Red Deer Housing Team. This staff member has built relationships with 11 private landlords and eight property management companies in Red Deer. The individual has also assisted “housing first” clients to find market rental units throughout Red Deer. For people who do not fit the eligibility criteria of the Red Deer Housing program, the Housing Locator creates a weekly bulletin of available rental units. For some individuals, this is the only support they need to find housing. Canadian Mental Health Association – Buffalo “Housing First” Program: A “housing first” project where sobriety is not a condition to accessing housing. The program is located in a 39-unit apartment complex in downtown Red Deer. The tenants are individuals who have lived on the streets and may have addictions, mental illness, or other disabilities; they have had trouble finding and maintaining housing in the past. Tenants have access to staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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58 individuals received housing at the Buffalo from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.
Housing options
Funded projects (continued)
Central Alberta Safe Harbour Society for Health & Housing
• Transitional/Supportive Housing: Safe Harbour owns five houses. A housing staff
member works closely with each tenant to build a personal case plan, and a housing facilitator lives in each housing unit to provide extra support to the tenants and to liaise with the housing staff.
31 individuals received support through this program from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.
• Harbour House: Located in a residential area, this is a “housing first” project where
sobriety is not a condition to accessing housing. Clients at Harbour House have lived on the street for a period of time and, because of mental illness, addiction, or other disabilities, they have challenges with successfully living in mainstream and/or independent community housing. Tenants in the eight units have access to staff assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
14 individuals received support through this program from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011. Habitat for Humanity: A land purchase was completed, and five new family dwellings will be built on these lots. Four duplex units were also completed.
Housing is considered affordable when the cost of adequate shelter does not exceed 30% of the household income (before taxes). Citizens who pay more than this amount are spending too much on housing – they may be unable to afford their other needs.
Did you know? The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Red Deer is $702, based on April, 2011 rates. An employee at minimum wage (April, 2011 wages) will have a gross monthly income of $1,525. At this wage, the employee would be spending 46% of their pre-tax income on rent.
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When Maria and her husband Eduard received news that their paperwork had been approved – that they could move to Canada – they were thrilled. Finally, they could be closer to their children and grandchildren. They eagerly left for a new life thousands of kilometres from everything they knew. Upon arriving in Canada, they moved in with the family, hoping they could soon afford their own place. Eduard found work at a local factory, but Maria was not able to find a job. Weeks turned into months, and the crowded apartment life began to fray many nerves, but Maria and Eduard could still not afford other accommodations. One day, Eduard learned about a new affordable housing facility in Red Deer. This was the perfect solution. Finally, they could live an independent lifestyle, while still being close to the family they loved.
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The road to a new home There are many unforeseen aspects to homelessness – even temporary homelessness, as Helen learned the hard way. Pregnant and unable to pay her rent, Helen was evicted and she sent her teenage child to live temporarily with a friend. Helen was able to find more affordable housing but, in the meantime, she lost all her possessions. Due to a langauge barrier, she had misunderstood a conversation with her prior landlord – she thought he would take care of her possessions while she was looking for new housing, but this was not the case. All of her furniture, as well as personal items, pictures, and important papers, had been disposed of. When Helen called The Road Home Project at Family Services of Central Alberta, she was very upset that she had no personal belongings, no sense of place. Outreach workers with The Road Home helped her to get basic furniture and kitchen necessities. With their help, she also completed overdue taxes and learned more about budgeting. As a single mother with a teenage child and a new baby, Helen expressed that she had no hopes, dreams, or goals. She was lonely and isolated and felt ashamed of her life choices. She shared with her outreach worker that the previous Christmas was the worst time of her life, since she could hardly afford to put food on the table, let alone provide presents or a nice dinner for her family. Through Helen’s involvement with The Road Home, she turned her life around. She began attending college, with the goal of owning a daycare in the future. She now has hope, she has a dream. And, she has restored faith in the kindness of others, as she received a phone call from a former neighbour who had been trying to track her down. When the landlord threw Helen’s possessions into the dumpster at her previous apartment building, her neighbour retrieved photos and papers that she thought might be important. The kindly neighbour had been keeping these safe for Helen until they could be returned.
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Support services Goal #2
Individuals and families in Red Deer have access to support services whose primary focus is on maintaining housing or finding permanent housing.
Progress in the community
The Red Deer Housing Team has developed referral processes with the Red Deer Regional Hospital and Centennial Hospital Ponoka to help individuals access its Housing First program. They have educated these hospitals on the Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (SPDAT) and the eligibility criteria for the program. Successes have occurred where individuals have completed the intake process while still in the hospital; they have then been placed with the Red Deer Housing Team before being discharged.
Funded projects
The following projects are supported through grants that flow through The City of Red Deer from either the Province of Alberta’s Outreach and Support Services Initiative (OSSI) grant or the Government of Canada’s Homeless Partnering Strategy (HPS) grant. These projects also address the targets found within Goal #2. Red Deer Housing Team / Coordinated Community Outreach Team: This partnership program involves Central Alberta AIDS Network Society, Central Alberta Women’s Outreach Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, Central Alberta Safe Harbour Society, and the Red Deer Native Friendship Society. The program has components for intake, housing location services/ landlord support, intensive follow-up services, direct support for individuals and families, and service coordination. 101 individuals were placed in housing from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011. Family Services of Central Alberta – The Road Home: This program supports parents who are expecting and/ or have children under the age of six and who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The program offers group educational sessions as well as one-on-one support and assistance through an outreach worker. 82 adults and children were provided services from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011. Red Deer Youth & Volunteer Centre – Youth Winter Inn: A barrier-free night shelter program running from November 1, 2010 to May 15, 2011 for youth under the age of 18. An outreach worker provided one-on-one support to help youth find permanent housing. 27 youth accessed the Youth Winter Inn and 11 youth received support from the Youth Connection worker from November 1, 2010 to May 15, 2011.
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Getting back on track Lisa was dropped off by her mother in downtown Red Deer on a Wednesday afternoon. She had no place to go and no one to turn to. She went to the 49th Street Youth Shelter, but they were full. Lisa found the Youth Winter Inn and rang the buzzer for several hours until the program opened. Once inside, she talked to the Community Support worker, and decided to enter the Youth Winter Inn program. Lisa needed help and support, and believed this program would be beneficial – plus, she would no longer be alone.That same night, her first night at the Youth Winter Inn, she sat with the worker and completed the intake procedure. Lisa set goals for herself. After spending her first night in the Youth Winter Inn program, Lisa stated to the workers that this was not the place for her; she very much wanted to improve her situation and she was truly motivated to do so. She met with the Community Support worker again, and was shown how she could access community resources. With the help of the staff, Lisa made an appointment with Child Welfare, accessed the 49th Street Youth Shelter, and signed up for an employment course where she could learn résumé writing and interviewing skills. She also had help accessing the counselor her family had been seeing previously. Lisa stayed at the shelter for 13 days while she worked on getting back into her family home. When she returned home that November, she had grown and was motivated to work hard to achieve her goals. In Lisa’s brief time with the Youth Winter Inn, she accomplished four out of the seven tasks that she identified for herself on the first night of the program.
Did you know Red Deer has six shelters? People’s Place – 23 mats for sober individuals “Mats” Program – 20 mats for people under the influence Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter – shelter for 38 women and children Winter Inn – shelter for 30 individuals (November – March) Youth Winter Inn – shelter for 10 youth (November – May) 49th Street Youth Shelter – shelter/ support services for eight youth 13
Healthy relationships and awareness Goal #3 Through awareness, healthy relationships, increased capacity, and good communication, Red Deer will end homelessness.
Progress in the community
Some of the following projects were initiated in this reporting period; others are on-going activities within the community. Collaborations and networking
• EveryOne’s Home Leadership Model: In the spring of 2011, former members of the
Mayor’s Task Force on Ending Homelessness and other community leaders gathered to discuss the next steps. Two community events were held to invite feedback and participation in working groups to address the key focus areas, strategies, and targets of Red Deer’s Vision and Framework and Red Deer’s Five Year Plan Towards Ending Homelessness. See page 27 for more information on the EveryOne’s Home Leadership Model.
• Red Deer & District Community Foundation: The Coordinator of Community
Leadership Initiatives position is housed at the Red Deer & District Community Foundation. The coordinator engages citizens and community organizations in support of Red Deer’s goal to ending homelessness. This individual also coordinates and facilitates the new EveryOne’s Home Leadership Model.
• The Red Deer Housing Committee, established in 1995, is a group committed to
“increasing available, affordable, accessible, and decent housing options for citizens of Red Deer through collaborative partnerships, education, and advocacy.” The Red Deer Housing Committee met five times in 2010-2011.
Community reports
• Annual reports: Report to the Community: Homelessness & Affordable Housing Initiatives 20082010 was released in September, 2010.
• e-newsletters: Red Deer & District Community Foundation distributes quarterly e-newsletters regarding the Ending Homelessness Initiative.
• Vital Signs was released in October, 2010. This report describes housing as one of 12 issue
areas that were examined. • Ending Homelessness – Reconnecting, Recalculating, Recommitting: This report, which describes the gathering held by former Mayor’s Task Force members and other community leaders was released in spring, 2011. Community grants related to homelessness
• The Stephen and Laura Laird Fund, created through a donation, is a new fund at the Red
Deer & District Community Foundation. It was established to provide funding to community projects related to ending homelessness.
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Healthy relationships and awareness
Progress in the community (continued)
Social Marketing
• “We Care” was a three-week campaign that began in September, 2010, and was designed to
increase awareness about homelessness. Based on research done in downtown Red Deer that showed most people felt those suffering from homelessness or addictions should be included as valuable members of the community, the campaign focused on actions people in the community could take to show they care. The campaign used projections, sidewalk chalking, radio advertising, posters, buttons, takeaway cards, and newspaper advertisements. By the end of September, 2010, over 5,000 unique visitors had accessed the campaign website. The “We Care” brand was designed to be used by a variety of agencies in the future.
• Celebrating Success Video highlights the experiences of three formerly homeless people
who were provided with housing and supports through the Safe Harbour Society for Health and Housing and the Red Deer Housing Team.The video has a “Speakers Corner” segment, where several community leaders share their support for ending homelessness.
Connections
• Tune-ups are quarterly events hosted by Central Alberta AIDS Network Society. At the
“Tune-ups,” individuals who are homeless or at risk of being homeless can access a variety of service and supports in one location.Volunteers, community agencies, and businesses come together to provide ID clinics, health care, housing program referrals, recreation information, support services, foot care, free lunch, haircuts, clothing, and a variety of other items and services. Four events were held in the past year, with an average of 150 people attending per event.
• NightReach is a nightly program provided by Central Alberta AIDS Network Society. A
team of two staff walk through the downtown area and city parks providing prevention and outreach services to people who are street-involved. NightReach staff provide safety information about injections, inhalation, and sexual activities, as well as cold weather clothing, wound care, first aid, community program referrals, counseling, and crisis intervention. The program began on August 30, 2010, and has operated every night since. NightReach has 416 active clients and made 7,067 contacts in its first 10 months.
• “On the Edge,” Red Deer’s street paper, published three editions in the past year. The
content is submitted by street-involved community members and various community agencies. The paper regularly showcases art and writing in addition to memorials to those who have died. “On the Edge” is published by the Red Deer Native Friendship Society and distributed by community members.
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Healthy relationships and awareness
Progress in the community
Connections (contined)
• Primary Care Street Nurse Program, which is housed at the Turning Points building in
downtown Red Deer, provides the health care services of a street nurse three days per week to assist homeless persons and other vulnerable people in the downtown core. Alberta Health Care coverage is not required to receive assistance. The services provided at the clinic are for non-urgent medical concerns including wound care and communicable disease control, as well as management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The nurse practitioner can also provide referral and supports to connect individuals with the appropriate resources. The street nurse program is a partnership between Red Deer Primary Care Network, Alberta Health Services Public Health, and Central Alberta AIDS Network Society.
(continued)
• Learning opportunities: Through a sponsorship process from The City of Red Deer, 10
frontline staff and supervisors attended “The Road Home” conference that was sponsored by the 7-Cities group in November, 2010. Through a sponsorship from The Secretariat on Action to End Homelessness, three frontline staff had their tuition paid for the Working with Homeless Populations Certificate program through the University of Calgary.
Funded project
The following project was supported through a grant that flows through The City of Red Deer from the Government of Canada’s Homeless Partnering Strategy (HPS) grant. This project also addresses the targets found within Goal #3. Potter’s Hands Ministries – Manager, Provision of Meals: To provide further support to the existing program, a manager was hired to coordinate the food donations and volunteers, and to plan and organize the meal services. 3,798 individuals received meal services from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.
“
Preventing homelessness is as important in ending homelessness as getting individuals off the street.
Did you know?
”
Hot meals are available every day of the week in Red Deer, thanks to the careful planning of various agencies. Since the fall of 2010, 126 formerly homeless Red Deerians have been housed with supports through the Housing First programs.
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Community garden, personal growth John’s life has been saved ... by a community garden. Once homeless and dying from his alcohol addiction, John had nothing to live for. He had no hope. Then, he found the community garden, an unexpected haven that he learned about through his case manager with the Red Deer Housing Team. Suddenly, John had a reason to get up in the morning, he had something he enjoyed, he had purpose in his life. John had found what so many people are seeking – that invisible, yet incredibly fulfilling reward of doing an activity that has meaning, just for you. He nurtured his garden and his soul, one plant at a time.
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Data & research Goal #4 Red Deer has effective and reliable data systems for knowledge development on homelessness to support evidence- based decision making.
Progress
• The City of Red Deer Housing and Homelessness Assessment Report was completed in January,
2011. This study provides The City of Red Deer and the Red Deer and District Community Foundation with up-to-date information about current and future housing needs; it also identifies current and future gaps between existing programs and services. The report includes 12 recommendations on housing and homelessness. The document can be viewed at www.reddeer.ca/City+Government/City+Services+and+Departments/Social+Planning/ Reports+and+Publications/default.htm.
• All programs that received a grant from The City of Red Deer (Community Housing
Advisory Board) through the Provincial Outreach and Support Services grant started using the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) database. Four agencies participated in training on how to use this system and, as of September 1, 2010, started entering data. The ETO database will provide data on the clients served, including statistics about their demographics, housing status, income levels, ciminal records, dependency issues, and other relevant information. This data will support evidence-based decision making about housing and homelessness.
• A consultant was hired through The City of Red Deer to conduct evaluations on the
projects that are funded through the Community Housing Advisory Board. As of April 1, 2011, the following evaluations were completed: • Soup Kitchen Program • Transitional Housing Program • Harbour House (Housing First) Evaluations on the Buffalo Housing First and the Coordinated Community Outreach Team (CCOT) are currently in-progress.
• The community was invited to offer their perspectives on a research agenda. Three
consultations were held in April, 2011, to understand more clearly what knowledge and information would help the community to plan and deliver services to the homeless population and to those “at risk” of homelessness. Three themes emerged, with the research questions relating to prevention, program effectiveness, and community engagement. These themes were shared with the Alberta Homelessness Research Consortium and integrated into the Alberta Homelessness Research Agenda. The Consortium is working to implement research across the province, based on the themes that were identified.
• The Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (SPDAT) is an instrument that prioritizes need and tracks progress of people needing housing assistance and other supports. SPDAT training was provided to front line staff, and wide use of this tool began in late March, 2011.
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Motivation to change Staff members at social agencies in Red Deer all knew Frank. He had been living rough in Red Deer for years, he was addicted to crack, and he had severe health issues. They knew him as “the grumpy old coot,” and they knew he needed help. When the Housing First model was adopted in Red Deer, Frank was at the top of the list to receive assistance, and he was one of the first individuals to be housed in this type of environment. It took a long time for the support staff to build a rapport with him. Both Frank and the staff members had to set ground rules and boundaries but, eventually, they began to work together and to relate to one another. Frank often talked about quitting crack. When he received his pension money, though, he immediately spent it on drugs. Normally in Housing First programs, a third party agreement is set up so that rent money transfers from the individual’s income source to the agency, meaning the rent is paid on time. In Frank’s case, this wasn’t possible because he was receiving a pension. The agency supporting Frank depended on him paying his rent, but this simply was not his priority or his preference. He plunged into significant arrears for his rent, and he was given a warning of potential eviction. This warning came at the ideal time in Frank’s life – he did not want to return to living without a secure roof over his head. He began to make significant changes to his life. Through his hard work, Frank has not done crack in almost four years. He has a savings account and his rent arrears have been paid. Frank is now the proud owner of a dog and is a role model for other formerly homeless individuals.
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Goals of community programs and activities Achieving goals from the five year plan Community programs and activities
Collaborations & networking Community reports Community grants related to homelessness Social marketing Connections
Goal #1 Red Deer has sufficient housing options to meet diverse and changing needs of our community members
X
Goal #2 Individuals and families in Red Deer have access to support services whose primary focus is on maintaining housing or finding permanent housing
Goal #3 Through awareness, healthy relationships, increased capacity, and good communication, Red Deer will end homelessness
X
X
Goal #4 Red Deer has effective and reliable data systems for knowledge development on homelessness to support evidencebased decision making
X X
X
X X
From April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011, The City of Red Deer received: $1,760,000 through the Outreach and Support Services Initiative (OSSI) grant from the Province of Alberta. $421,528 through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) fund from the Government of Canada.
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X
X
Goals of funded projects Achieving goals from the five year plan Funded projects
Canadian Mental Health Association – Buffalo Housing First Central Alberta Safe Harbour Society for Health & Housing – Harbour House Central Alberta Safe Harbour Society for Health & Housing – Transitional Housing Central Alberta Women’s Outreach Society Coordinated Community Outreach Team and the Red Deer Housing Team Family Services of Central Alberta – “The Road Home” Potter’s Hands Ministries’ Manager Provision of Meals Red Deer Youth & Volunteer Centre – Youth Winter Inn
Goal #1 Red Deer has sufficient housing options to meet diverse and changing needs of our community members
Goal #2 Individuals and families in Red Deer have access to support services whose primary focus is on maintaining housing or finding permanent housing
Goal #3 Through awareness, healthy relationships, increased capacity, and good communication, Red Deer will end homelessness
Goal #4 Red Deer has effective and reliable data systems for knowledge development on homelessness to support evidencebased decision making
Amount of funding (2010 - 2011)
X
$556,834 OSSI
X
$432,898 OSSI
X
X
$153,340 HPS
X
$612,924 OSSI
X
$41,216 HPS
X
X
$24,000 HPS
X
$154,557 HPS
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Finding some dignity, finding a home A garden shed should never be a home. But for Fionna, it was. On the outside, a welcome sign and some flowers indicated this might be a different kind of garden shed. On the inside, you could see Fionna’s bed, which was under the shelves, beside the lawnmower. Her book, her bag, and her shoes were also giveaways that this unserviced structure was, in fact, a temporary home. At age 25, Fionna had experienced homelessness for 10 years. She cycled in and out of Centennial Hospital in Ponoka, with a concurrent disorder involving mental illness and addiction. She used a variety of street drugs and had many interactions with the RCMP. Then, Fionna was referred to the Red Deer Housing Team through the Diversion Project – a collaboration between Alberta Mental Health and the RCMP where individuals are diverted to the appropriate support services, and charges are not pressed. People who knew Fionna used to say she would not be able to live on her own, but with support from this program, she has achieved her goal to live independently – in appropriate housing. Her self-esteem has increased significantly, as have her communication, social, and interpersonal skills. Since being housed, Fionna has not been hospitalized, and she is now seeking employment. Staff describe Fionna’s journey as a “tremendous success.”
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Looking to the future Staying the course
The community of Red Deer will continue to address homelessness and to develop affordable housing units.
A few of the 2010-2011 initiatives: •
Piper Creek Foundation has received funding to build 39 accessible units for seniors and individuals who require accessible housing.
•
Habitat for Humanity expects to build three more homes in Red Deer in the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
•
The Social Planning department within The City of Red Deer is developing an Affordable Housing Strategy and will take this to City Council for approval.
•
Housing First programs will continue in the community through the following initiatives: • • • • •
“
Buffalo Housing First Harbour House Supportive Housing Recovery Program The Red Deer Housing Team New Beginnings Aboriginal Housing Project
There is no situation that is not transformable. There is no person who is hopeless. There is no set of circumstances that cannot be turned about by human beings and their natural capacity for love of the deepest sort.
”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
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Definitions Understanding homelessness
Disabling Condition: A diagnosable substance-use disorder, serious mental illness, developmental disability, or chronic physical illness or disability, including the co-occurrence of two or more of these conditions. A disabling condition limits an individual’s ability to work or perform one or more activities of daily living. Emergency Shelter: Overnight accommodation for individuals who have no physical shelter of their own. Homeless: Those who do not have safe, affordable, appropriate, permanent housing to which they can return whenever they choose. Absolute Homelessness: Those living on the street with no physical shelter of their own, including those who spend their nights in emergency shelters. At Risk of Homelessness: A person or family that is experiencing difficulty maintaining their housing and has no alternatives for obtaining subsequent housing. Circumstances that often contribute to becoming at-risk of homelessness include: eviction, loss of income, unaffordable increase in the cost of housing, discharge from an institution without subsequent housing in place, irreparable damage or deterioration to residences, and fleeing from family violence. Chronic Homelessness: Those who have either been continuously homeless for a year or more, or have had at least four episodes of homelessness in the past three years. In order to be considered chronically homeless, a person must have been sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation (e.g., living on the streets) and/or in an emergency homeless shelter. Episodic Homelessness: A person who is homeless for less than a year and has fewer than four episodes of homelessness in the past three years. Relative Homeless: Those living in spaces that do not meet the basic health and safety standards including protection from the elements, access to safe water and sanitation, security of tenure and personal safety, affordability, access to employment, education and health care, and the provision of minimum space to avoid overcrowding. Housing First: Housing First is a client-centred approach that holds to the belief that before someone can break the cycle of homelessness, a safe and secure home is necessary with support services readily available. Housing First places priority on providing affordable, safe, and permanent housing quickly, with minimal requirements beyond a standard lease agreement. Services, such as medication support, drug or alcohol treatment, and counseling are available as needed, but are not pre-requisites for Housing First.
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Additional reading Plans relating to housing & homelessness
1. Red Deer Housing Committee (2003). The Journey Home: A Community Housing Plan. (Update 2003-2006) 2. The City of Red Deer (2007). Homelessness Partnering Strategy Community Plan 2007-2009. www.reddeer.ca/City+Government/City+Services+and+Departments/Social+Planning/ Reports+and+Publications.htm 3. The City of Red Deer (2008). EveryOne’s Home: Red Deer’s Vision and Framework on Ending Homelessness by 2018. www.reddeer.ca/City+Government/ City+Services+and+Departments/Social+Planning/Reports+and+Publications.htm 4. The City of Red Deer (2008). Municipal Development Plan. 5. Government of Alberta (2009). A Plan for Alberta: Ending Homelessness in 10 Years, prepared by the Alberta Secretariat for Action on Homelessness. www.housing.alberta.ca/documents/ PlanForAB_Secretariat_final.pdf 6. Red Deer & District Community Foundation and The City of Red Deer (2009). EveryOne’s Home: Red Deer’s Five Year Plan towards Ending Homelessness. http://reddeeranddistrictcommunityfoundation.ca/initiatives/ending-homelessness-initiative
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Reports on housing and homelessness Research reports
1. Tandem Social Research Consulting for the Red Deer Housing Committee (2006). Ending Homelessness in The City of Red Deer. www.reddeer.ca/City+Government/ City+Services+and+Departments/Social+Planning/Reports+and+Publications/default.htm 2. Sierra Systems for The City of Red Deer (2006). Affordable Housing Strategy. www.reddeer.ca/City+Government/City+Services+and+Departments/Social+Planning/ Reports+and+Publications/default.htm 3. Seidel, R. & Plante, C. (2007). Aboriginal Housing Needs and Priorities in Red Deer Final Report. www.reddeer.ca/City+Government/City+Services+and+Departments/Social+Planning/ Reports+and+Publications.htm 4. The City of Red Deer (2009). Demographics and Social Trends of Red Deer. www.reddeer.ca/City+Government/City+Services+and+Departments/Social+Planning/ Reports+and+Publications.htm 5. The City of Red Deer (2010). Appropriate Seniors Housing Executive Report. www.reddeer.ca/City+Government/City+Services+and+Departments/Social+Planning/ Reports+and+Publications.htm 6. The City of Red Deer and Red Deer & District Community Foundation (2011). Housing and Homelessness Assessment Report. www.reddeer.ca/City+Government/ City+Services+and+Departments/Social+Planning/Reports+and+Publications.htm
Community reports
1. Red Deer & District Community Foundation (2009). First Community Report on Housing and Homelessness.http://reddeeranddistrictcommunityfoundation.ca/initiatives/endinghomelessness-initiative 2. The City of Red Deer and Red Deer & District Community Foundation (2010). Report to the Community: Homelessness and Affordable Housing Initiatives (2008-2010). www.reddeer.ca/City+Government/City+Services+and+Departments/Social+Planning/ Reports+and+Publications.htm, (This report describes the “Planning Path�) 3. The City of Red Deer and Red Deer & District Community Foundation (2011). Ending Homelessness: Reconnecting, Recalculating, Recommitting. http://reddeeranddistrictcommunityfoundation.ca/initiatives/ending-homelessnessinitiative/
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EveryOne’s Home Leadership Model
Working groups:
1 – Healthy relationships 2 – Emergency prevention 3 – Systems prevention 4 – Emergency assistance 5 – Housing options 6 – Support 7 – Process working group
Working group 1 – Healthy relationships: Strategies regarding strengthening relationships and a sense of belonging, as well as collaboration, maximizing local funding, culturally appropriate approaches, and building community capacity to support all individuals regardless of age or circumstances. Working group 2 – Emergency prevention: Strategies regarding communication of existing services and supports, preventing evictions, respite and emergency housing, discharge planning, and increasing earning opportunities for those at risk of homelessness. Working group 3 – Systems prevention: Strategies regarding informing policy, supporting the non-profit sector, advocacy, and data collection, management, reporting, and research. Working group 4 – Emergency assistance: Strategies regarding collaboration of emergency services and frontline service providers, at-risk homeless youth, flexible funds for emergencies, and crisis response systems. Working group 5 – Housing options: Strategies regarding creating new housing stock, a variety of affordable housing options, specialized supported housing for individuals with disabling conditions, exploring fund development and land banking, rent subsidies, sustaining existing affordable housing stock, and supporting a ‘housing first’ model. Working group 6 – Support: Strategies regarding increasing capacity of service providers to provide a range of individualized services and support that promote quality of life, with rapid movement from shelter into housing, establishing a case managers’ network, developing a collaborative case management model. Working group 7 – Process working group: Includes staff from organizations that are providing significant resources, (human and financial) to assist in the implementation of the model.
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For more information on The City of Red Deer housing and homelessness initiatives, visit www.reddeer.ab.ca/socialplanning. Additional information on Red Deer & District Community Foundation is available at http://reddeeranddistrictcommunityfoundation.ca. Published October, 2011