Potential lessons for Edmonton in Houston's success in reducing homeless population by 61%
Nearly 15 years since the city announced a 10-year plan to end homelessness, Homeward Trust recorded nearly 3,000 homeless people in Edmonton earlier this month.
The point-in-time count of 2,987 people nears the agency's all-time high of 3,097 recorded in 2008.
In 2009, both the city and the province said they would aggressively tackle homelessness focused on a strategy known as Housing First.
The philosophy is to quickly get people into permanent housing so issues such as substance use can be tackled in a stable environment.
A comprehensive Canadian study found 80 per cent of people who received this support remained housed after the first year.
A housing success story
The Houston region has had immense success with Housing First, bringing its homeless population down 61 per cent in 12 years.
"It's really about coordinating the access to housing. That's really the key," said Kelly Young, president and CEO of Coalition for the Homeless.
In January of last year, the agency recorded 3,270 homeless people in the Houston area.
Census data from 2020 shows the area — made up of Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend counties — has a population of about 6.2 million.
"I think it's the commitment to Housing First," said Young. "Everybody came together and basically made up how many beds do we really have available for housing?"
Edmonton homelessness chart (Source: Homeward Trust)
Edmonton's history with Housing First
Using the Housing First approach, Edmonton cut its homeless population in half in ten years.
Homeward Trust recorded 1,504 people experiencing homelessness in 2019.
But the downward trajectory changed with the onset of the pandemic.
"A lot of resources have gone into managing the crisis that houselessness is for individuals and to keep people safe," said Homeward Trust CEO Susan McGee.
"During that time as well, more people became homeless, and we saw some of that infrastructure that we had previously supporting people become eroded."
The mayor recently addressed the gap in supports while justifying his motion to declare homelessness in Edmonton an emergency.
"Since 2019, we have seen a 68-per-cent increase among people seeking housing support. Only a seven-per-cent increase has happened in housing those people," Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said at a Jan. 12 news conference.
"Investments have not kept pace with increased pressure."
Looking ahead
The city says it has invested a total of $165 million since 2019 to help create 3,116 affordable housing units.
Next year, a four-storey apartment with built-in support is set to open in the Holyrood neighbourhood.
There are also plans in the northwest community of Athlone to build affordable apartments for veterans experiencing homelessness.
The city is offering millions in grants and tax breaks for developers to build these kinds of homes.
"It’s going to take a lot of effort, different effort," McGee said about getting back on track.
"Not that we don’t know how to do it because we did it very well. In the Housing First program, we've housed over 17,000 people and it’s a matter of what now do we need to do and adjust around the engagement of folks.”
McGee calls the current situation “a real crisis."
"We are a country, a city, where we should not have people on the streets."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Feels like mid-30s in parts of Canada, while other areas expecting snow
Anything is possible this week, as far as Canada's weather is concerned, with forecasts ranging from scorching heat in some parts of the country to rain and snow in others.
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
1 dead, others injured after London-Singapore flight hit severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines says
One person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
Cardinal Lacroix cleared after investigation ordered by the Pope
The Vatican has announced that the investigation it commissioned into allegations of sexual touching against Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix did not confirm any act constituting misconduct or abuse on the part of the Vatican.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
DEVELOPING Defence witness who angered the judge in Trump's hush money trial will return to the stand
A defence witness in Donald Trump's hush money case whom the judge threatened to remove from the trial over his behaviour will return to the stand Tuesday as the trial nears its end.