Homeless plan faces economic hurdle

Calgary's 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness began two years ago and is now facing the challenges of an uncertain economy.

"We released the plan at the apex of a boom, and by the end of the first year we're at the bottom of a recession," said Tim Richter, head of the Calgary Homeless Foundation. "So, that presents its challenges, but this is a 10-year plan for that reason."

One challenge is there are fewer jobs to fill and housing is expensive.

The program, which launched in January 2007, is committed to ending homelessness in Calgary within 10 years. The long-term goal of the plan is to open up 11,250 affordable and specialized housing units in Calgary.

Though the program is facing challenges, it's still creating some positive results.

Richter said the program is falling short of its goal to stall the growth of homelessness at 2006 levels by May 2010, but has exceeded its goal of re-housing 220 families, against the anticipated number of 200.

In the face of economic uncertainty the foundation has not changed its targets, said Richter.

"I'm pleased to say we've made some pretty solid progress in the first couple of years," said Richter. "1,200 men, women and children in the city have been housed through programs we're funding directly."

The program operates under a principle it calls "housing first."

"Our goal is to get them into a home first, then work on possible mental problems or addictions," said Richter, who added that dealing with issues that lead to homelessness are easier to address and have success if housing is the first priority.

A 60-year-old Calgary man, whose name was not revealed for privacy protection, spent 12 years being homeless. Since he was housed last spring through the program, he has completed his general education diploma, and has a secure job.

"Now I've got a beautiful big living room," said the newly housed man. "I've got a nice kitchen where I can cook the food I want to eat. I'm happy now, and I don't have to worry about where I'm going to stay next week or tomorrow."

Richter said the program has a high housing retention rate, and has helped the economy by reducing the number of hospital emergency visits and incarcerations in Calgary.

"I'm keeping on this path, because I don't want to go back to where I was before," said the former homeless man.