Historically, our community has been active in finding ways to address housing and end homelessness. There have been undertakings in the past by different stakeholders to address this concern. These accomplishments brought about a wealth of knowledge and expertise that the community can use and build on.
In 2005, the Mayor’s Task Force on Ending Homelessness brought people together from a wide range of sectors and walks of life. It was an unprecedented collaboration and synergy of people from service agencies, the government, business, church, community associations, the academe, and concerned individuals. Red Deer was the first Canadian community to approach this issue in this manner, based on initiatives that were demonstrating success in the United States, to end rather than manage homelessness. The goal of the Task Force was to figure out a way to strategically focus everyone’s efforts and put an end to this problem, The Mayor’s Task Force was an ad hoc committee of City Council that worked over three years.
The result of this community effort was EveryOne’s Home: Red Deer’s Vision and Framework on Ending Homelessness by 2018. It is a comprehensive framework, with 6 focus areas, 12 desired outcomes and 49 strategies. It serves as our community road map in ending homelessness. The document was officially released in February 2008 and the Mayor’s task Force completed its’ role as an ad hoc committee of Red Deer City Council in April 2008. Prior to dissolving as a committee, the Mayor’s Task Force supported the development of a community based position to oversee the initial implementation of the Framework.
The Community Foundation was an active member of the Mayor’s Task Force. We are committed to being a civic space for change and were identified as the most logical community based organization to house this important position.
With this in mind, the position of Coordinator for Leadership Initiatives was established at the Community Foundation in June 2008. A three year commitment of resources has been provided by the City of Red Deer through the Housing Solutions Fund to help support this position dedicated to ensuring that the work is coordinated and accomplished.
For the past year and a half, we have opened our doors to the community for input and encouraged everyone to actively participate in the process of implementation. We have made connections between service agencies, government, home builders and members of the community. Two successful events were held in 2008, one aimed at showcasing available housing services and housing solutions to the community and the other, a workshop regarding the Ottawa Community Report card as a model of reporting outcomes.
In 2009, the Community Foundation, together with the EveryOne’s Home Advisory Committee and the City of Red Deer was responsible for putting forward the Community Service Delivery Plan, which outlines priorities for the coming fiscal year. Our Coordinator also invited housing and homelessness stakeholders to a community consultation for the creation of a Plan to End Homelessness from the original Vision and Framework. In October 2009, EveryOne’s Home: 5 Year Community Plan Towards Ending Homelessness in Red Deer 2010-2015 was approved and adapted by Red Deer City Council.
In November of 2009, the first Housing and Homelessness Community Report was released. The documents provides us with an understanding of the community on the housing front and is a valuable information tool for anyone who would like to learn more about ways to take part in the solution.
This year, as part of the Community Foundation’s work in implementing Red Deer’s 5 Year Plan Towards Ending Homelessness, the WE CARE Campaign was launched. It is a social marketing campaign which aims to dispel misconceptions about homeless and vulnerable individual members of our community. This campaign was identified as a strategy in the Plan with the goal of increased awareness, healthy relationships, increased capacity and good communication. For more information, visit www.reddeeercares.com.
Click here to view the following documents:
EveryOne’s Home: Red Deer’s 5 Year Plan Towards Ending Homelessness
Community Service Delivery Plan: Housing and Homeless Operations 2009/2010
Housing and Homelessness Community Report, First Edition, November 2009
EveryOne’s Home: Red Deer’s Vision and Framework on Ending Homelessness by 2018
Research Findings on Homelessness in Red Deer, March 2006