1st year update for Edmonton’s 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness.
03
2010
I had the pleasure to attend the 1st year update for Edmonton’s 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness. The 10 year plan, endorsed by City Council in 2009 established the Edmonton Homeless Commission to champion the elimationation of homelessness in Edmonton. Since that time there have been significant advances and in some cases year 1 targets were exceeded.
The Homeless Commision was to provide permanent housing options for all people living on the streets and in public places. From this goal there has been a strategy to develop a Housing First Action Centre to coordinate delivery of programs and a Pathways to Housing program for those with the most challenging and complex needs. This program is in its first 3 months of operation and has accepted 15 people with a concurrent disorder of mental illness and substance abuse, and 10 have been housed.
The Homeless Commission also had the goal of ensuring an adequate supply of permanent, affordable housing with appropriate supports for people who are homeless. From this goal, the Commission has secured 424 supported housing units. This far exceeds the target of 150 units set for 2010. As well a furniture bank has been developed; this will help people establish their new homes.
For more information on the 10 year plan- as well as to see ways that you can become involved, please visit http://www.endedmontonhomelessness.com.
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