Half-way through 10-year-plan there’s still work to be done
Calgary’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness hit its halfway point as of January 29. The Calgary Homeless Foundation reports the project has good news and bad news. The number of homeless people in the city has stopped increasing since the program began in 2008 despite increased immigration to the city. However it hasn’t decreased by much.
The last count of homeless people in Calgary was conducted in August 2012. It found 3576 people without homes which is only 25 fewer than in 2008.
The 10-Year Plan has worked to co-ordinate front-line agencies serving Calgary’s homeless in order to streamline access and keep better records of those who need help. It also promotes the “housing first” concept which provides people with free or subsidized housing before addressing the causes of their homelessness. Alberta’s own 10-year plan has contributed $29 million to Calgary’s “housing first” initiative.
The Calgary Homeless Foundation says the city still desperately needs more affordable housing particularly in light of Calgary’s 1.5 per cent vacancy rate and 20000 additional residents moving to Calgary in 2012.
