Youth or adults who are living on the streets often have a mental illness and/or substance addiction. Mandating treatment or sobriety can drive them away and leave them cut off from treatment in mainstream health care, social services and housing.  The result is the perpetuation of homelessness of an extremely vulnerable sector of our population.   

Supported housing is designed to reduce barriers and encourage homeless youth and adults to enter appropriate housing linked with appropriate services. It has the potential to minimize the effects of street living, including poor mental and physical health. When people feel safe and secure, they are more likely to participate in treatment.  This model of supported housing has two goals:

1. to provide safe, decent and immediate housing
2. to provide a comprehensive array of supports that assist people in achieving stability and moving on with their lives

Services offered at Scenic Apartments:

• 17 units to provide housing and services to individuals facing mental health challenges
• clients previously placed on waiting lists, and who were living in substandard or unsafe residences, are now being safely housed and served by Canadian Mental Health Association and Lethbridge Housing Authority
• people who were previously unable to maintain quality of life without supports are now experiencing increased stability and independence
• with the provision of on-site mental health support, clients are more aware of available services and able to address their emerging needs

phone:	Lethbridge Housing Authority 329-0556
phone:	Canadian Mental health 329-4775

Services offered through Bridging and Loan Fund:

• access to a Loan Fund for emergency situations related to damage deposits, rent and utilities and Emergency Funds for critical shelter
• short term loans to a maximum of $200 with a 24-month repayment period
• emergency 24-hour loans of up $250 for landlord and utility payments

Through this program, clients are able to access funds more easily and effectively than through traditional lending institutions   Repayment options are flexible and customized to individual housing situations. As individuals access capital through this program, they are also given the opportunity to develop budgeting and financial planning skills.

phone:

Lethbridge Housing Authority 329-0556

Additional Supported Housing to be in place by 2011 includes:

• Supported Housing for Youth
• Home for the Aged (Chronically addicted and mentally ill)