This is a community call to action.
Squamish needs a Squamish specific, community-based plan to end chronic Homelessness. Not a strategy to manage or cope with homelessness issues in Squamish, but to end it. It needs to be a bold and innovative plan that delivers in a set period of time.
I've been a volunteer at Helping Hands Homeless shelter for more than 5+ years, pretty much since it opened. I've been on the board for most of that time and served as its president for a year and a half. And although the Society, its amazing staff and volunteers, has done an outstanding job in finding homes and providing basic needs to hundreds of citizens, a decisive plan to end homelessness is really the only next step. Other cities have started this type of proactive initiative. Now is the time for Squamish to get it done.
I've been a volunteer at Helping Hands Homeless shelter for more than 5+ years, pretty much since it opened. I've been on the board for most of that time and served as its president for a year and a half. And although the Society, its amazing staff and volunteers, has done an outstanding job in finding homes and providing basic needs to hundreds of citizens, a decisive plan to end homelessness is really the only next step. Other cities have started this type of proactive initiative. Now is the time for Squamish to get it done.
Here's what I'd like to see: a series of public consultations, a community poverty summit, research and dialogue with front line workers, service providers [alcohol, drug and mental health], and homeless people in Squamish, Lower Mainland and beyond that culminate in a proactive 5-year strategy to end homelessness in Squamish.
The plan will contain practical solutions that cut through the underlying systemic societal barriers. It will aim to stop the cycle of jail, street, shelter, street, hospital, shelter, street, shelter, street, shelter...this system costs government far more than the expense of actually housing people. We need to end homelessness first and address an individual's personal issues once they are housed. The plan should help people move to self-sufficiency and independence while ensuring that they receive the care and support they need to be successful. It will involve a coordinated outreach effort by a number of agencies that includes intensive case management. Housing solutions must be self-determined by the individual as the foundation of a rehabilitation philosophy because it makes the person an active participant in their own rehabilitation. And this plan will be a net cost savings to taxpayers.
As is the case in Alberta and Ontario [the 2 provinces that seem to be leading the way] lasting success will require major policy changes by all levels of government as well as long-term investments to deliver full results. We have to realize homelessness costs government far more than actually providing homes.
It will require efforts of all levels of government, the private sector, the non-profit and faith communities and the public working together toward this end.
Municipal government can't be saddled with the financial costs of this plan. This is where Federal and Provincial governments must step up. But we must show leadership is in finding solutions and facilitating the action plan.
Other cities have had significant success with this type of housing first approach. Between 2009-11, Toronto's Streets's to homes Program has seen a 51% reduction in shelter use and 80% reduction in recidivism. The Denver Housing First Collaborative provided housing through a Housing First approach to more than 200 chronically homeless individuals. A 2006 cost study documented a significant reduction in the use and cost of emergency services by program participants as well as increased health status. Emergency room visits and costs were reduced by an average of 34.3 percent. Hospital inpatient costs were reduced by 66 percent. Detox visits were reduced by 82 percent. Incarceration days and costs were reduced by 76 percent. 77 percent of those entering the program continued to be housed in the program after two years.
Alberta was the first provincial government to legislate that all municipalities have a 10-year housing and homelessness plan. Ontario has since followed that lead. I'd love to see BC mandate this as well. What provincial governments are discovering is that this approach saves money in healthcare and the criminal justice system so it's worth their time and effort.
Local service groups have been discussing these issues for several years. It's time to coalesce this energy into an achievable plan. Because ending homelessness in Squamish is achievable.
Love to hear your thoughts.
Other cities have had significant success with this type of housing first approach. Between 2009-11, Toronto's Streets's to homes Program has seen a 51% reduction in shelter use and 80% reduction in recidivism. The Denver Housing First Collaborative provided housing through a Housing First approach to more than 200 chronically homeless individuals. A 2006 cost study documented a significant reduction in the use and cost of emergency services by program participants as well as increased health status. Emergency room visits and costs were reduced by an average of 34.3 percent. Hospital inpatient costs were reduced by 66 percent. Detox visits were reduced by 82 percent. Incarceration days and costs were reduced by 76 percent. 77 percent of those entering the program continued to be housed in the program after two years.
Alberta was the first provincial government to legislate that all municipalities have a 10-year housing and homelessness plan. Ontario has since followed that lead. I'd love to see BC mandate this as well. What provincial governments are discovering is that this approach saves money in healthcare and the criminal justice system so it's worth their time and effort.
Local service groups have been discussing these issues for several years. It's time to coalesce this energy into an achievable plan. Because ending homelessness in Squamish is achievable.
Love to hear your thoughts.
Cheers
Patty
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