Permanent supportive housing saves money and lives.
Putting dollars into housing and wrap-around services pays back in health, social and justice-related service savings while creating lasting solutions for our neighbours with complex needs.
For most concerns about affordability, safety, vibrancy and economic recovery in our city; the solution is permanent supportive housing. But in the past 40 years, the City has been slow to reap the benefits of this proven intervention, leaving us to play catch up now.
Permanent supportive housing mixes the budget-friendliness of affordable housing with professional health, wellness and even cultural supports — often referred to as wrap-around supports. This creates a unique housing option that is specially designed to serve our community members with the most complex needs.
Since being elected, I have advocated for housing not only as a human right, but as a sound investment for the long-term wellbeing of our city.
Unlike emergency shelters that provide immediate but short-term accommodation, supportive housing provides folks with a permanent home where they can find safety, stability and a community to heal with. In supportive housing, you have the autonomy to make choices for your home similar to those who live in condos. You sign a lease and pay subsidized rent, you can live with pets, your family, choose to move, and spend time setting your own goals for recovery with the support of on-site staff and other professionals as needed. Self-determination and the ability to choose for yourself is key to the lasting success of supportive housing.
> See the stories of residents who have found stability with supportive housing.
The city is a key partner in new housing projects.
Our city’s newest project is spearheaded by Homeward Trust. They are converting the Coliseum Inn (11845 Wayne Gretzky Drive) into 98 units of supportive housing with 58 of those units specifically supporting Indigenous individuals. The project is supported by the Government of Canada’s innovative Rapid Housing Initiative which covered nearly two thirds of this $18.3 million project.
Culturally-specific support is particularly important in our goal to end houselessness. About 60% of houseless folks in Edmonton are Indigenous. Having access to traditional healing and community helps create a sense of belonging and support as residents navigate recovery.
Lives and budget hang in the balance.
As we end the third winter of a global pandemic, it can be hard to balance competing budget priorities. However, spending on permanent supportive housing is one of the best ways to save- money and lives.
If we do not implement housing and supports like this, the public will end up spending 118% or an average of $116,000 more on public health, justice and emergency shelters for every person that goes unhoused each year.
Housing changes lives. It is our responsibility as leaders and neighbours to make sure everyone can fully participate in our community without the immense burden of housing insecurity.
I will always remember the mother of 3 kids that called my office a couple years ago. She was living at a shelter about to be kicked out. We were able to connect her to the right programs and she found a space in supportive housing.
A couple months ago, my nephew and I were at a pub and the woman came over to our table. She worked at the pub and told us about how she was able to turn her life around. Her kids were doing well, she was able to cope with her mental health issues, and get a stable job.
This is not an expenditure, it is an investment.
This is an investment in people. This is an investment in a future where individuals and families can thrive with support, stability and safety. Supportive housing allows people to be their best self and I will continue to take action and champion initiatives to end houselessness in Edmonton.
