Catholic Health Alliance of Canada WORKSHOP Faith Communities Engaged to End Homelessness: Becoming part of the solution Bob McKeon, PhD Associate Director, Office for Social Justice Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton Jana Drapal Coordinator, Social Justice Diocese of Calgary
10 YEAR PLAN TO ELIMINATE HOMELESSNES Calgary Edmonton Province of Alberta
Housing First In the past, homelessness was viewed as a problem to be managed - with shelters, drop-in centers and other emergency supports. People had to be prepared for, or transitioned into, housing. They needed to deal with mental health problems, tackle addiction issue or find a job first. The Housing first philosophy turns that approach upside down. The first step is to find a homeless person their own permanent home. The next step is to ensure he has the supports he needs to be successful in that home. Because the best place to tackle the underlying issues that lead to homelessness is in safe, secure housing - not on the streets.
How it works Becoming part of the program Finding an apartment Moving in Settling in and determining supports Graduating from Housing first
Calgary, AB. Statistics have been taken from the Calgary Homeless Foundation and the Point In-Time Count in August 2012. http://newsroom.calgaryhomeless.com/press-releases/ correction-from-source-rise-in-calgary-s-homeless-201210250828919002
August 2012 Count Aboriginal People make up 21% of the overall number of homeless 21% of Calgary s Homeless are children (12 and under), youth (between ages of 13-17), and young adults (between ages of 18-24) Women represent 25% or one quarter of the homeless population There were 198 homeless families on August 15, 2012 (Summer count). On January 18, 2012 (Winter count) there were 160 homeless families (18.8% less than 2008).
At a meeting in early 2007, the KAIROS Calgary working group asked Dermot Baldwin of the Drop- In Centre how they could best help families. He said, Help develop affordable housing for families. Over the subsequent three years, KAIROS Calgary investigated building and operating its own affordable housing project. It was determined that KAIROS Calgary did not have the financial capacity or operational capability to do a project on its own. This led to KAIROS Calgary and the Calgary Homeless Foundation discussing opportunities to work together and leverage each other s strengths. The purchase of Acadia Place by the Calgary Homeless Foundation in the fall of 2009 brought together the two groups.
www.acadiaplace.com
Not only does this project involve a number of churches, but it also includes the Government of Alberta, The City of Calgary and the Calgary Homeless Foundation. The Government of Alberta contributed nearly $6 million toward the purchase of this building. As well, a number of the non-profit agencies that provided social supports to the tenants did so using program dollars from Housing and Urban Affairs, or now called Human Services. The City of Calgary contributed $541,000 toward the purchase of this building as well.
Acadia Place is a 58 unit family affordable housing complex that provides housing and supports to families at risk of or experiencing homelessness. KAIROS Calgary partnered with the Calgary Homeless Foundation to reduce family homelessness in Calgary by fundraising to reduce the mortgage on the building, and therefore keeping the building sustainable for future families in need and keeping rents affordable for families. More than $275, 000 has been raised so far. Church Volunteers are also involved onsite with families through volunteer projects.
Community Building Christmas Adopt-A-Family program & Christmas Potluck Church Volunteers organize Canada Day BBQ and games. Two boys living at Acadia Place assist with Playground Build.
In collaboration with the Calgary Homeless Foundation, whose role is Property management & maintenance of Acadia Place, the role of CUPS is to engage tenants and create a sense of community, to provide affordable housing and develop tenant supports both within the building and extending out into the greater community.
Community Building Creation of a Tenant Board and organizing Programs for families, such as Healthy Cooking Classes on a Budget, Financial Budgeting, etc. Increase integration within the community by removing barriers to access all that a community has to offer. For example, Martial Arts Classes offered to children. Opportunities are social and recreational, ensuring a healthy building and a strong inclusive community. Onsite CUPS Community Developer working in Resource Centre at Acadia Place to assist families when they are struggling.
CUPS is looking to potentially expand the Faith Community model that has been adopted at Acadia Place to their three other affordable housing locations across the city. KAIROS has started to reflect on expanding the Acadia Place project to the wider community and making it interfaith.
http://coldestnightoftheyear.org/home KAIROS is looking at doing the Coldest Night of the Year Walkathon next year in February 2014 to raise funds towards Acadia Place. People from the Community will have an opportunity to walk the Streets where homeless service agencies are located, experience a little of what it feels like to be cold outside, and learn about homelessness. http://coldestnightoftheyear.org/walktv/vi deo2013 $1,636,379 reached! goal $1,000,000 walkers 8,183 teams 1,071 donors 38,332 distance 41,285 km today $600
Tent City Edmonton 2007
Congregational Workshops
Year 4 Key Numbers 1,664 permanent homes secured for 2,325 people who had been homeless. The vast majority secured housing in the private rental market. 86% of the people housed have retained their housing. 55 newly constructed units have been completed. The October 2012 Homeless Count found 2,147 homeless Edmontonians 29% fewer than 2008 count before the launch of the Year Plan. X After significant reduction in first 2 years of Plan, shelter use increased in Years 3 and 4. Government funding for homeless support continues to increase. X Government funding of new permanent supportive housing units is falling behind.
Measuring Success Boyle McCauley Health Center s Pathways to Housing measured the healthcare savings for 68 clients after one year in the program: DECLINE: COST SAVING Use of emergency $45,430 Number of days $2,192,680 in hospital TOTAL COST SAVING $2,238,110 Note: this figure does not include savings in justice and elsewhere
HOUSING AND HEALTH Good housing linked with positive health outcomes Homeless people expensive for health system 10 YEAR PLAN No health care or prison discharges to streets or shelters Mental Health Support Teams (Pathways) National At Home / Chez Soi Need for Permanent Supportive Housing for people with intensive needs
Thank you for taking time to participate with us today.