Tonight, men, women and children from our community will have no choice but to sleep on the streets, in their cars, shelters, in the basement of a church or on the couch of a friend or famliy member. This is a reality … at least for today.

You can join us in our efforts to end homelessness in Lethbridge through Housing First. 

Ending homelessness is possible. Stand with us and make a difference.

Personally
Corporately
Community Groups

This shift is primarily based on the beliefs that:

1. homelessness is not a problem to be managed, it is community issue that needs to be eliminated
2. all residents of Lethbridge have an inherent right to secure, safe and affordable housing
3. access to appropriate support services is integral to ending the cycle of homelessness

We are committed to Bringing Lethbridge Home.

The ‘Wheel of Housing and Supports'
Part of the shift in our paradigm has been a move away from the belief that homelessness has to be an inescapable cycle.  Instead, we aim to provide a continuum of housing options and access to support services that:

• begins with prevention
• moves families and individuals through the best possible housing options for their situation
• ends with permanency in a secure, safe and affordable home; either rental or ownership

The result? People are able to experience social well-being, live a healthier, more secure lifestyle and are more able to participate in community life.

Prevention

Policies, programs and services need to be put in place to prevent people from becoming homeless. This is often described as closing the front door to homelessness and is critical to ending homelessness through housing first. 

Possible prevention strategies include:

1. targeting prevention funding and resources
2. providing basic transition planning that includes stable housing and support
3. eviction prevention, including education programs
4. availability of “right” housing placement and stabilization services
5. Landlord -Tenant mediation and conflict resolution programs
6. permanency planning for individuals and families with significant disabilities

Emergency Shelters
To cope with the rising numbers of homeless, Social Housing in Action has developed emergency services that help people meet their immediate survival and shelter needs.  These emergency shelters are all vitally important to the day-to-day survival of people who have no housing. As long as there are people without housing, these services will be required. Emergency shelters, however, are not a long term solution to homelessness in our community. 

Transition Homes
Transitional housing  programs assist people who are ready to move beyond emergency shelter into a more independent living situation.  In conjunction with access to the right kind of support, transition homes allow individuals and families to develop the skills needed to achieve and sustain permanent housing.

Supported Housing
Supported housing is designed to reduce barriers and encourage homeless youth or adults to enter appropriate housing linked with appropriate services. It has the potential to minimize the negative 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

Affordable Permanent Housing

Affordable housing means housing that is available at a cost that does not compromise the attainment and satisfaction of an individual’s other basic needs of life, including food, clothing, and access to education and the ability to actively participate in community life. 

The cost of adequate and appropriate shelter should not exceed 30% of household’s gross income. This includes the cost of utilities.  Housing which costs less than this is considered affordable.