More provincial dollars will help homeless Aboriginals

Additional dollars from the provincial government to fight homelessness will have an impact on Aboriginal populations in Edmonton and Calgary.

“I’m not surprised (to receive more funding),” said Susan McGee, executive director of Homeward Trust Edmonton. “The administration has been working diligently within government to make sure there is a good understanding of the momentum that’s been achieved so far.”

The 2011 provincial budget allocated $9 million more to tackle homelessness. Alberta was the first province in Canada to implement a 10-year plan to get people off the streets and out of shelters and into homes.

In a news release issued by the province, Premier Ed Stelmach said the money will help an additional 500 people leave the streets and 3,000 more receive support to remain in their homes.

“Any additional funding we get from the province we prioritize to the most vulnerable, the chronic and episodically homeless and we know Aboriginal people are way over-represented in that population,” said Tim Richter, president and CEO with the Calgary Homeless Foundation.

Surveys undertaken in Calgary indicate that 20 per cent to 30 per cent of the homeless are Aboriginal, and Aboriginal homeless represent more than half of those who are most vulnerable.

In Edmonton, a 2010 survey revealed the same figure as 2008: that 38 per cent of those living on the streets are Aboriginal.

The Housing First program, a provincial initiative, has been particularly effective with Aboriginal clientele.
McGee noted that in Edmonton 46 per cent of those in the Housing First program are self-identified as Aboriginal.

 Housing First employs front line workers who offer support to residents, to ensure they maintain their housing. The additional dollars will not only allow new clientele to receive support under the program, but will allow existing clientele to retain support.  Support services range from addictions counselling to life skills training to landlord liaison assistance.

 “Indirectly, this will certainly help homeless Aboriginal folks in Calgary,” said Richter. “We’re prioritizing allocation for funding to the Housing First program.”

He added that this year the foundation will be placing particular emphasis on the Aboriginal population. The foundation’s Aboriginal strategy is in the beginning stages. Not only will the foundation be looking at how to provide housing for Aboriginal homeless, but will also be examining the issues that make Aboriginal people homeless and keep them down.

In Edmonton, McGee is pleased that the latest survey of people living on the streets is indicating a “significant reduction” in homelessness, but that doesn’t mean Homeward Trust will be laying back.

Last month, McGee joined with the province and Jasper Place Health and Wellness Centre to mark the opening of Canora Place, a 30-unit apartment complex providing housing for previously homeless Edmontonians. At least 60 per cent of those in Canora Place will have Aboriginal ancestry.

The additional $8.8 million allocated to fight homelessness in 2011 is part of a $54 million budget established for the cause in 2011-2012.

Photo Caption: Provincial ministers Jonathan Denis, Heather Klimchuk and Thomas Lukaszuk join with Scotti Coles (executive director Jasper Place Health and Wellness Centre), Susan McGee (executive director Homeward Trust) and Don Mayne (board member of No Room in the Inn) for the official ribbon cutting for Canora Place in Edmonton.