Housing and Homelessness- Transitional Housing Project 2020 Photo credits: Lorna Dancey Photography Lac La Biche County Council supported the development of a transitional housing proposal to address the needs of Lac La Biche County residents without permanent, stable housing. This document provides the framework for this program with the intention of creating a non-profit society to manage the on-going work. Community members with a passion to support vulnerable populations, professionals with specific expertise and someone with lived homeless experience will be sought for the founding board. Lac La Biche County staff would provide support to the society and board until they are firmly established, at which time we would withdraw on-going involvement. CURRENT SHELTERS LOCALLY Lac La Biche County Lakeland Out of the Elements Shelter Society- Since 2007, they provide an emergency crisis mat program which tends to the necessities, as well as laundry and shower facilities. Their small building leaves no room for private consultations. Hope Haven Women’s Shelter- Since 1991, Hope Haven has provided a safe, supportive environment for women in abusive situations. They have expanded their services to offer second and third stage facilities. This provides women extra support while transitioning back into the community. Modest homeless support regionally 1 There are currently no emergency homeless shelters in Bonnyville, Cold Lake, St. Paul or Athabasca. In St. Paul, the Canadian Native Friendship Center provides day supports, washrooms, food and access to showers. Recently, Bonnyville is exploring the possibility of establishing a homeless emergency Shelter to run 6 months of the year (Lakeland newspaper, July 21, 2020 pg. 13). Bonnyville, Cold Lake and St. Paul estimate the number of chronic homeless individuals to be between 4-10 in each centre, without having done a formal homelessness survey. Athabasca participated in the Homeless Estimation Survey, demonstrating 15 respondents live in unstable housing. A plan is being developed to address their current needs. HOMELESSNESS Systemic causes, trends, and cost of homelessness The causes, contributors and effects are difficult to separate; it differs from person to person. Researchers have identified certain factors that greatly increase the risk of becoming homeless. The leading causes of homelessness mental Illness and substance abuse lived and generational trauma marital breakdown and domestic violence transitions out of institutionalized care poverty and food insecurity physical disabilities, disabling illness or medical conditions grief and loss social isolation discrimination and racism incarceration and criminal record Homelessness vicious cycle and navigational challenges No home, no job - no job, no home. Without a permanent address, people cannot access income support benefits; without money, they cannot get a home. For some, getting that job does not help either: if they make enough to afford rent, they still cannot pull together first and last month’s rent and a damage deposit. The greater the need for help, the deeper the trap becomes as more orders of government and social agency involvement are required, particularly if children are involved. The cost of homelessness to society 2 The costs are less obvious: “Every $10 spent on housing and supports for chronically homeless individuals results in $21.72 savings related to health care, social support, housing, and involvement in the justice system”. (The Progress Report on Housing and Homelessness in Alberta (2014/2015) states, pg.35). WHAT IS ALREADY WORKING Alberta Government The Alberta Government has transformed the focus to more intervention services rather than using emergency services for stop gap measures. Supports focus on helping people move off the street, out of shelters and into safe, stable homes. After reviewing the literature and research, Homelessness Best Practices mirror the focus of the Alberta Government. The Alberta Government has been working on homelessness since before 2008, beginning with the seven cities. The considerable funds invested, and work completed in the last twelve years has proven to be effective, including on-going reviews and minor improvements. The seven cities and best practices After researching eleven cities and municipalities across Alberta, with homeless plans it is evident that there is no comparable project that mirrors Lac La Biche County’s response to homelessness. Evidence demonstrates that best practices used by the seven major cities in Alberta are relevant for rural communities as well. Focusing on basic needs, financial supports and mental health lead to positive resolution of long-term housing challenges for individuals. Responses to homelessness must be flexible and adaptable to each geographic location, taking into consideration their unique needs. Rural homeless shelters and transitional housing are currently not in place There are no existing rural homeless emergency shelters or transitional housing. Alberta Rural Development Network (ARDN) funding in 2018 provided rural areas were provided funding for needs in their communities. Municipality of Greenview (now includes Grand Cache and area): Received funding ($225,840 for 5 years) to secure workers to work with clients regarding at their needs and individual situation. As part of the program, budgeting, cooking and life skill classes must be attended. 3 Fort Macleod and district FCSS: Received funding ($387,772 for 3 years) for a homeless population of 47. The funding is for a worker, transportation, personal case plans, finding housing, budgeting and wrap around services. Slave Lake Friendship Centre: Received funding ($300,862 for 5 years) to run a seasonal mat program. Hinton Adult Learning Society: Received funding ($290,052 for 5 years) to run a seasonal mat program but includes a support resource room. Homeless Task Force-Reaffirming Best Practices o After thirteen meetings, one strategic planning session and path forward meeting including a SWOT analysis, the Homeless Task Force came up with two main goals moving forward. The pathways to homelessness are complex and varied. The task force community participants demonstrated dedication, energy, originality, hopefulness to support our vulnerable citizens and a strong desire to work together. Knowing what we know now, we can find supports and resolutions to support individuals dealing with homelessness. Recommendations: o Develop a 4-stage transitional facility in Lac La Biche County. o Facilitate the employment of a Homelessness and social agency navigator. A navigator position is responsible for supporting vulnerable individuals to achieve their goals. This includes, educating, accessing community supports (including Mental Health, Addictions, FASD and many more) mediation, advocating and provide support between service agencies and clients to fulfill goals. IMPLEMENTING A TANGIBLE AND INTENTIONAL PLAN Priorities and Targets 1) Diversity and Inclusion: Communities are strongest when they bring together a diverse set of voices, perspectives and backgrounds. Providing public awareness to all the diversity our community including, religious beliefs, Indigenous People (adding some Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Actions), sexual and gender minorities, aging and understanding marginalized groups. 2) Communication and transparency: Ensure service agencies and the community at large are aware of the Transitional Project and the rational behind the plan. To be open for questions, to avoid the “not in my back yard” (NIMBY) mentality. 3) Wrap around supports: Ensure individuals have encouragement and can access the community supports, both in-house and in the community, and bridge gaps. 4 4) Strong leadership and commitment: To build an environment of dignity, integrity, respect and hope. 5) Promote active representation from the entire community: Citizens, community organizations and faith-based groups want to assist the less fortunate. Engage the community to encourage and embrace their support. Goals, outcomes and continual evaluation We will continually analyze how the programs are going and make amendments as needed to continuously improve and ensure the best support for our clients. PHASE 1 (2020-2022) The purpose of the Transitional Housing Project is to address the most immediate homelessness needs: expanded emergency shelter, transitional housing and improve access to supports in one location 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. First Stage: Emergency shelter (mat program) o Purpose: Immediate basic needs are met. o Layout: 2 rooms set up with mats (each room can sleep 6-8 individuals). With 2 rooms, we can accommodate a variety of sleeping arrangements for clients; men and women, youth and adult males, and other combinations. o Programming: Daily programs would be available, and chores completed. o Length of stay: Up to 30 days o Rules and procedures: A set of firm rules and expectations would be well communicated to clients. Staff would be consistent in implementing the rules. Second Stage: Transitional Housing- Beginning the journey o Purpose: A safe, supportive place for people to begin to address the issues that caused or keeps them homeless. o Layout: Three rooms with two single beds to a room, a dresser for each bed and small furniture (i.e. nightstand). Individuals would stay in these rooms for stages 3 and 4 as well. It is expected that individuals will make progress, then regress and this cycle may continue