Housing Stability Programs

Housing is a right, not a privilege.

Housing is fundamental to quality of life. Living without a home is a stark reality for some residents of Red Deer today. Multiple factors have contributed to the increase in homelessness over the past few decades; lack of affordable housing, deinstitutionalization and increased poverty. Substance abuse, addiction and the decline of casual labour can also play a part (Everyone’s Home – Red Deer’s Vision & Framework on Ending Homelessness by 2008 – 2018).

For women in particular, domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness.

Homelessness can be caused by:

  • poverty
  • unemployment
  • lack of affordable housing
  • poor physical or mental health
  • drug and alcohol abuse
  • gambling
  • family and relationship breakdown
  • domestic violence
  • physical and/or sexual abuse.

    The problem of homelessness and housing exclusion refers to the failure of society to ensure that adequate systems, funding and support are in place so that all people have access to housing (The State of Homelessness in Canada, 2013). For those battling homelessness, it is nearly impossible to get a job, to achieve treatment for mental health, or to battle against substance abuse and addictions issues. Solving the affordable-housing-crisis is the first and most necessary step towards battling homelessness, mental health and addictions.

    Homelessness influences every facet of a child’s life — from conception to young adulthood. The experience of homelessness inhibits the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and behavioral development of children.

    Housing Programs

    Red Deer Housing Team

    What is Housing First?

    Housing first does not require people experiencing homelessness to address all of their problems including behavioural health problems, or to graduate through a series of services or programs before they can access housing. Housing First does not mandate participation in services either before obtaining housing or in order to retain housing.  The Housing First approach views housing as the foundation for life improvement and enables access to permanent housing without prerequisites or conditions beyond those of a typical renter.  Supportive services are offered to support people with housing stability and individual well-being, but participation is not required as services have been found to be more effective when a person chooses to engage.

    The philosophy of the Red Deer Housing Team

    As a philosophy our program focuses on any attempt to help people who have experienced homelessness to access housing before providing assistance and support with any other life issues

    The Red Deer Housing Team will:

    • assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness to find and maintain housing
    • provide tools to remove barriers causing homelessness
    • assist people gain a sense of hope and safety while maintaining long term housing
    • provides case management to individuals and families engaged in the program

    If you are experiencing homelessness and would like more information regarding the Red Deer Housing Team please call 403-347-2480 or 1-866-347-2480.

    Housing Outreach

    Intake process

    Walk in Clients at the Outreach Centre complete a pre-intake form allowing us to identify their immediate needs.  Once we have assessed the concerns, they would be referred with the appropriate outreach worker.

    Housing

    If housing is a concern for you we will evaluate your situation and if you meet the criteria for the Red Deer Housing Team you will do a housing assessment by our partner agency (Safe Harbour Society).  If you qualify you will meet with one of the Housing Team to start working on finding suitable housing.  If the criteria is not met we will supply a Housing package and some support may be available.

    Rural Outreach

    Rural Outreach brings the programs that we have available to the individual communities within Central Alberta.  The Outreach Centre works with the individual communities providing access to information, advocacy, education and referrals.  Our aim is to provide rural residents one to one support that helps individuals identify internal strengths and coping skills as well as external resources if needed.

    Personal care program

    Our personal care program consists of basic products for our existing clients, our staff will assess their needs on an individual basis and help with supplying products for them.

    If you have a question about one of our programs, please submit the form below and a staff member will be in touch shortly.

    Programs

    For more information:

    Call The Outreach Centre at 403.347.2480 or email info@theoutreachcentre.org.