Social Environments

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Sixty-three per cent of all shelter users in Alberta are in Calgary, compared with 28% in Edmonton

COMMUINITY RESOURCES

1.Calgary Homeless Foundation an organization that works with the homeless serviving the community in the following waysSince 1998, the Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF) has worked to reduce homelessness in our city. 1. Own properties and provides to those at risk of or experiencing homelessness. While the CHF owns these properties, partnering agencies are responsible for tenant referrals and placements

- 70% government funded

- 30% through a combination of mortgages and donations

- Interest-free Evergreen Line of Credit provided by First Calgary Savings

The CHF acts on behalf of the Government of Alberta to fund housing programs delivered by 18 agencies in support of the 10 Year Plan

- The Mustard Seed. The Mustard Seed has grown into a provincial leader, providing innovative solutions to addressing homelessness and poverty in Calgary, Edmonton and Sundre. In 1973, The Burning Bush Coffeehouse, a gathering place that welcomed Calgary's street people in the basement of the First Baptist Church. In 1984, the ministry moved into its own building and became The Mustard Seed Street Church. n 1989, The Mustard Seed made a significant leap, moving from "street church" to a "ministry of the church" to the street people of Calgary. Creative Centre facility in 2001 and a 370-bed emergency shelter in 2007. The Mustard Seed Edmonton took root in 1988. The Mustard Seed Edmonton has grown to address the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of Edmonton's less fortunate through community meals and small groups, as well as advocacy, chaplaincy and outreach. Services provided include basic services, housing and employment support-The Mustard Seed's Employment Coaches meet with clients regularly to discuss their progress and help with any employment difficulties they may be experiencing. Coaches are also available to address any questions or concerns from clients' employers. Connect people to employers. Provide health, work with volunteer doctors, dentists, nurse practitioners to provide health care

- Inn from the cold-Our prevention program serves vulnerable families at imminent risk of losing their housing and becoming homeless. Program staff members work with these families to help stabilize their situation, retain their housing and prevent them from ever having to move their family into a shelter.

- The early success of this program led to a long-term investment by the Government of Alberta and the Calgary Homeless Foundation. In 2012, 120 families successfully retained their housing through participation in this program. Inn from the Cold’s Emergency Family Shelter is a permanent facility located in Calgary’s beltline community. Space permitting, families seeking a place to stay will be given a room in this building. Amenities include: Semi-private guest rooms

- Kids’ playroom

- Common areas for families

- Laundry facilities

- Large kitchen and dining room

The Community Inn Program-If there are no available rooms in the Emergency Family Shelter, guests can utilize our Community Inn program. Since 1997, Inn from the Cold has partnered with the faith community and other local organizations to offer temporary, community-based emergency shelter. Today, we operate approximately 60 Inns in various locations across Calgary. Families staying in this program register daily at the Emergency Family Shelter and are provided transportation to and from the hosting organization. Once there, they are provided a hot dinner, fellowship, a safe place to stay, breakfast and a bagged lunch.

Housing -Inn from the Cold actively partners with local landlords and affordable housing providers to match families with safe, appropriate and sustainable housing in the community, carefully vetting housing to make sure it meets the needs of our guests. Families staying at our Emergency Family Shelter receive case management support as they work with staff to find appropriate housing

Programs

Inn from the Cold partners with various agencies to offer a robust schedule of programming for guests. Many of these programs are held onsite at our Emergency Family Shelter. Program offerings vary, but typically include:

- Literacy programs

- Digital/computer literacy programs

- Employment workshops

- Life-skills programs

- Mental health awareness workshops

- Music and art therapy programs

- Drumming circles and smudging ceremonies

- Weekend recreational activities

- Children’s educational and recreational programming

Referrals

For guests requiring specialized support in an area outside of our expertise, the Inn will provide a referral to the appropriate agency. Some of the referrals we make are to programs and resources such as:

- Immigration services

- Addiction treatment programs

- Childcare respite

- Counseling services