Community: Vancouver Region: British Columbia
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Homelessness Partnering Strategy Community Plan 2014–2019 Community: Vancouver Region: British Columbia The plan has been approved by Canada for implementation. As one of the 10 Large Cities, this community is required to commit at least 65% of its HPS allocation towards a Housing First approach starting April 1, 2015.
Current Situation: Establishing your Baseline Data ................................. 3 Data ..................................................................................................................... 3 Readiness for Implementing Housing First ............................................................... 4 Community Advisory Board Membership .................................................. 6 Planning and Reporting ............................................................................ 8 Your Planning Process ............................................................................................ 8 Reporting ............................................................................................................ 14 Your Priorities ....................................................................................... 15 Description of your Priorities................................................................................. 22 2|Page
Current Situation: Establishing your Baseline Data Data Please report on your current situation based on the following indicators. All CABs should review their progress annually against these indicators. This review will form part of the annual update. Note: Although this data is not required at this time, data for 2013 will be required as part of the first annual update. 1. Number of unique individuals who used an emergency 11,494 homeless shelter in the twelve month period between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 2. Number of shelter users who were chronically homeless in 2012 427 3. Number of shelter users who were episodically homelessness in 607 2012 4. Number of homeless veterans who used an emergency homeless shelter in 2012. 5. Estimated number of homeless veterans who were chronically or episodically homeless in 2012. 6. Number of homeless individuals identified during the latest 2650 point in time count (if available) 7. Date count was undertaken March 15, 2011 3|Page
Readiness for Implementing Housing First
Please rate your community’s readiness to implement Housing First based on
the following questions. Each component of the scale has a rating of one to four
with four demonstrating full implementation of the HPS HF model. Use this information
to decide where to focus your efforts in implementing your HF program. Because
implementing Housing First may take some adjustments, communities will have the
opportunity to rate progress annually and use the information to update priorities.
Note: Responses will only be used by ESDC to understand the selection of the HF
priorities and activities.
Criterion Community’s Rating
CORE PRINCIPLES
Rapid Housing with Supports. Program -1-: Program expects participants to find their
directly helps participants locate and secure own housing and does not offer
permanent housing as rapidly as possible and participants who have lost their housing
assists them with moving-in or re-housing if a new housing unit.
needed.
Housing Choice. Program participants choose -1-: Participants have no choice in the location
the location and other features of their or other features of their housing and are
housing. assigned a unit without having a say in
decorating and furnishing.
Separating housing provision from other -1-: Participants have access to housing only if
services. Extent to which program they have successfully completed a
participants are not required to demonstrate period of time in transitional housing and
housing readiness. meet all the readiness requirements.
Integrated Housing. Extent to which -1-: There are rigid time limits on the length
housing tenure is assumed to be permanent of stay in housing or the housing is
housing with no actual or expected time limits, considered emergency.
other than those defined under a standard
lease or occupancy agreement.
Tenancy Rights and Responsibilities. -1-: Participants have no written agreement
Extent to which program participants have specifying the rights and responsibilities
legal rights to the unit. of tenancy, have no legal recourse if
asked to leave their housing and can
keep housing only by meeting
requirements for continued tenancy.
Reasonable Cost for Housing. Extent to -1-: Participants pay 61% or more of their
which participants pay a reasonable amount of income for housing costs and program
their income for housing costs and/or program does not have access to rent
has access to rent supplements or subsidized supplements.
housing units.
4|PageCriterion Community’s Rating Housing Support. Extent to which program -1-: Program does not offer any housing offers services to help participants maintain support services. housing, such as offering assistance with landlord relations and neighborhood orientation. SERVICE PHILOSOPHY Service choice. Extent to which program -1-: Services are prescribed by the service participants choose the type, sequence, and provider with no input from the intensity of services such as recovery, medical participant. and other services. Participant-Driven Program & Services. -1-: Program does not offer any opportunities Extent to which the program and services are for participant input into services at any participant-driven. level. Contact with Participants. Extent to which -1-: Program has no contact with participants. program maintains regular contact with participants. Continuous Services. Extent to which -1-: Participants are discharged from program program participants are not discharged from services if they lose housing for any services even if they lose housing. reason. Directly Offers or Brokers Services. -1-: Program does not offer services to Program directly offers or brokers support participants, either directly or through services to participants, such as recovery, brokering. medical and other services. Selection of Vulnerable Populations. -1-: Program has no method to identify and Extent to which program focuses on chronic select participants who are chronic and/or episodically homeless individuals. and/or episodically homeless. TEAM STRUCTURE/HUMAN RESOURCES Low Participant/Staff Ratio. Extent to -1-: 50 or more participants per 1 FTE staff. which program consistently maintains a low participant/staff ratio. 5|Page
Community Advisory Board Membership
1. Name of the Community Advisory Board: Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness (RSCH)
2. Number of members in your CAB: 26
Community Advisory Board Membership
Last First TITLE SECTOR(S) Role Include
Name Name ORGANIZATION on on
CAB Distributi
on List?
Atkey Jill BC Non-Profit Housing Association - Housing and social housing Member Yes
Bond Abi City of Vancouver - Other: municipal government Member Yes
Froese Darin BC Housing / Provincial Government - Housing and social housing Member Yes
Gibson Nora Service Canada - Other: HPS Service Canada Liaison Ex-officio Yes
member
Leba Tanniar La Boussole - Non-profit Member Yes
MacIntyre David MPA Society - Housing and social housing Member Yes
Laitar June Aboriginal Housing Provider Interim Rep - Aboriginal Member Yes
Mills Arthur YWCA Metro Vancouver - Housing and social housing Member Yes
Moriarty Bonnie The Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver - Non-profit Member Yes
Murphy Aileen City of Surrey - Other: Municipal government Member Yes
O'Shannace Karen Lookout Emergency Aid Society - Non-profit Member Yes
ry
Shaw Michelle Pacific Community Resources Society - Youth Member Yes
Bonesky Caroline Family Services of Greater Vancouver - Non-profit Co-chair Yes
Stewart Patrick Aboriginal Homelessness Steering Committee - Aboriginal Member Yes
Sundberg Alice Past RSCH Co-Chair - Other: Pas RSCH Co-chair Ex-officio Yes
member
Taylor Nanette Hollyburn Family Services Society - Non-profit Member Yes
White Clifford Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council - Aboriginal Member Yes
Wilson Bonnie Vancouver Coastal Health - Healthcare, including mental health and Member Yes
addictions treatment
Woodland David The Salvation Army - Non-profit Member Yes
6|PageCommunity Advisory Board Membership
Last First TITLE SECTOR(S) Role Include
Name Name ORGANIZATION on on
CAB Distributi
on List?
Bryant Deb United Way of the Lower Mainland - Non-profit Chair Yes
Burnham Darrell Coast Foundation Society (1974) dba Coast Mental - Healthcare, including mental health and Member Yes
Health addictions treatment
Burpee Sandy Tri-Cities Homelessness; Housing Task Group - Other: Community HOmelessness Table Member Yes
Doherty Becky Fraser Health Authority - Healthcare, including mental health and Member Yes
addictions treatment
Dressler Michael New Hope Community Services Society - Non-profit Member Yes
Dyson Jane BC Coalition of People with Disabilities - Non-profit Member Yes
Ediger Stephani Alouette Home Start Society - Non-profit Member Yes
e
3. Given the requirement to allocate funding to the Housing First approach, which involves both housing and
individual supports, are there any sectors or organizations the CAB needs to include and/or engage in the future
to more fully represent your community? (for example, Provincial or Territorial representatives responsible for
housing and/or mental health, landlord organizations, people with lived experience, police, corrections, health
and health promotions (including the Health Authority), income supports, other funders, addictions treatment)
Yes
Please identify the sectors or organizations and describe how they will be engaged.
All sectors are sufficiently involved. While some groups may not have a direct seat at the Constituency Table, the various
sectors are involved in the RSCH through either an Advisory Group, one of the Constituencies, a Community Homelessness
Table, or general membership meeting. The private / for profit sector is being engaged through an engagement strategy and a
“business” constituency seat allocated at the decision-making table of the CT. This seat is intended to include for-profit
organizations such as property developers, landlord associations and the region’s boards of trade. People with lived experience,
police, and justice system representatives are engaged through sub-regional Community Homelessness Tables at a local level.
CHT members participate in the CAB sub-committees and their voice is represented at the decision-making table.
7|PagePlanning and Reporting
Your Planning Process
1. Stakeholder Engagement
a. Who and how did the CAB consult in your community as you
prepared this Community Plan? Please include information about
the approach you took and the extent of your consultations.
Oct-Nov RSCH; CitySpaces hosted consultations: 3 sub-regional workshops;
4 focus groups (youth, women, seniors, Aboriginal) 2 meetings of Greater
Vancouver Shelter Society; RSCH Funders Table; 10 1:1 interviews of the
homeless. 75 housing; homelessness orgs participated across the region.
Summary report; online survey sent to 600 orgs to rank priorities; strategies
identified in consultations. 141 surveys received from organizations that
served adults, women, families, youth, seniors and Aboriginal clients.
Advisory group met to review; interpret results of online survey for
alignment with HPS priorities; activities. Sub-group found alignment with all
HPS eligible activities in priorities identified during consultations; weighted
them “high” “med” or “low” based on survey results; immediate need. RSCH
Funders Table reviewed HF funding framework, consultation results, analysis
of member funding priorities; gaps: recommended general allocations for
each priority based on anticipated funding gaps. Feedback reviewed by
Finance; Audit Advisory Group to finalize Investment Strategy incorporating
all consultation feedback, regional readiness assessment using template
provided here. This was forwarded to the original advisory group for review;
recommended to RSCH Constituency Table mtg of Feb 13/14 which
recommended the Plan on behalf of the RSCH to Service Canada.
b. How is the CAB working with the Aboriginal sector and/or local
Aboriginal CAB to identify and implement Aboriginal homelessness
priorities?
In support of the RSCH’s document, Moments Of Confluence: Partnering
with the Aboriginal Community to Address Homelessness in Metro
Vancouver, the Aboriginal Homelessness Steering Committee (AHSC)
supports the establishment of a bi-lateral Working Group to be comprised
equally of members of the RSCH and the AHSC with secretariat services from
Metro Vancouver Secretariat. The purpose of the Working Group is to
establish the Aboriginal Engagement Strategy for the RSCH.
8|Page2. Other Related Strategies and Programs
a. In this section, you will identify and describe the federal, provincial,
territorial, or local strategies, programs (other than HPS) which
fund activities in your community that you will access to support
your Housing First and other homelessness effort.
How many have you identified? 20
Name of federal, provincial or territorial or local Focus of strategy or
strategies and programs program
Provincial Housing Strategy (Housing Matters BC), In - Social housing
2014, the Province updated the 2006 Housing Matters - Rent supplements
BC, the Provincial Housing Strategy. Within the context - Mental health
of Housing Matters BC - homelessness was identified as - Addictions
one of the key priority areas. - Healthcare
Homeless Outreach Program (Province) - Social housing
- Rent supplements
- Mental health
- Addictions
- Income supports
- Social integration
Fraser Health Mental Health 5 Year Housing Plan for - Mental health
leadership, recommendations, planning, development, - Healthcare
implementation; evaluation of Mental Health Housing - Assertive Community
Services Treatment (ACT) team
Shelter Net BC/Shelter Planning Group 2006 Strategy - Social housing
w/HF approach to ending homelessness while meeting
urgent shelter needs for sub-populations and sub-
regions
Fraser Health Mental Health and Addiction Services - Mental health
Strategic Action Plan:Services for Homeless/ at Risk of - Addictions
Homeless w/HF approach: outreach, supportive hsng - Healthcare
options, mental health/addiction; prevent services, - Assertive Community
public awareness w/Govt; Cmty Services Treatment (ACT) team
Fraser; Vancouver Coastal Health ACT and ICM teams in - Mental health
Surrey, New Westminster, Tri Cities w/40 housing - Addictions
subsidies attached; teams will be increased in - Healthcare
Vancouver; Fraser Health Regions - Assertive Community
Treatment (ACT) team
TIP; TIPPY housing supports to young adults; parents; - Social housing
9|Pageassessments to determine supports goal plans; housing - Rent supplements
search, moving, furniture, and landlord/tenancy conflict - Income supports
resolution, supports; 1:1 for life skills; peer support - Social integration
Vanc Coastal Health Innercity Youth Mental Health: ~ - Mental health
700 street youth; partner w/shelters; hsng; manage; - Addictions
support YMH Hsng group; patient-centre care, facilitate - Healthcare
groups; connect to services - Assertive Community
Treatment (ACT) team
Street to Home Foundation, 10 Yr Cmty Action Plan for - Mental health
implementing a Housing First approach. Streets to home - Addictions
raised $26.5 million in two years to complete 1,100+ - Healthcare
supportive housing units for homeless adults, youth and - Assertive Community
women in Vancouver Treatment (ACT) team
GVRD Regional Affordable Housing Strategy and - Social housing
Municipal Housing Action Plans - Rent supplements
Community Homelessness Tables GVRD municipalities: - Social integration
connecting service providers, agencies, business,
politicians and citizens for collaborative regional
responses; research, coordinate actions; public edu;
region-wide solutions; HAW; RSCH; CAB reps
Community Homelessness Tables GVRD municipalities: - Social integration
connecting service providers, agencies, business,
politicians and citizens for collaborative regional
responses; research, coordinate actions; public edu;
region-wide solutions; HAW; RSCH; CAB reps
Aboriginal Homeless Outreach (Province). In 2007 the - Social housing
Province expanded the Homeless Outreach Assistance to - Rent supplements
include an Aboriginal component which would target the - Mental health
specific needs of homeless and at risk Aboriginal people - Addictions
- Income supports
- Social integration
Women’s Transition Housing;Supports Prov BC Housing - Social housing
provide funding for Transition, Safe; 2nd stage housing, - Income supports
for women with dependent children or not, experienced - Education
or at risk of experiencing violence; providing support - Social integration
Supportive Housing Registration: single point access to - Social housing
supportive housing funded through BC Housing - Rent supplements
facilitates transition from homelessness to supportive - Mental health
housing by allowing applicants; agencies to submit 1 - Addictions
appl; not register w/many providers - Healthcare
10 | P a g eProvincial Homelessness Initiative –– Single Room - Social housing
Occupancy Units (Province): BC Prov SRO purchase; - Rent supplements
reno existing units to prevent housing stock loss.
Approx 26 properties, 1,473 units purchased; majority
located in Vancouver
Homeless Rent Supplement (Province): BC Prov Rent - Rent supplements
Supplement to support 750 new homeless rent
supplement units; provides $120 per month to be used
in combination with other assistance
Provincial Homelessness Initiative –– Local Government - Social housing
Partnerships (MOU): BC Prov; Local Govt MOU for land - Rent supplements
for supportive housing; to-date, Maple Ridge, Surrey; - Mental health
Vancouver participating - Addictions
BC Prov Emergency Shelter Program to increase # of - Social housing
permanent year round beds; includes funds for some
24/7 shelters
BC Prov Extreme Weather Response prgrm funds time- - Social housing
limited, temporary shelter beds needed during extreme
weather conditions from approximately Nov-Mar
b. Does your Province or Territory have a plan or strategic direction to
address homelessness, poverty, housing, or another related issue?
Yes
How does your HPS Community Plan complement Provincial or
Territorial direction in this area?
Partially aligns
Please explain.
Provincial direction and programs include a significant homelessness
prevention rent supplement program with supports, new supportive housing
(Housing First) units and other related homelessness services. HPS
Emergency Housing funds and other community services will enhance the
Provincial programs, which will help to ensure long term sustainability. CAB
and community can take advantage of provincial goals and directions by
building on provincial programs and HPS funding opportunities. In 2014, the
Province updated Housing Matters BC, the Provincial Housing Strategy. It
largely brought forward priorities from the 2006 strategy. Within the context
of the Housing Matters BC - homelessness was identified as one of the key
priority areas and Housing First a solution implemented through the strategy.
The BC Housing Matters Strategy has been updated. Provincial direction and
programs include a significant homelessness prevention rent supplement
11 | P a g eprogram with supports, new supportive housing (Housing First) units and
other related homelessness services. HPS Emergency Housing funds and
other community services will enhance the Provincial programs, which will
help to ensure long term sustainability. CAB and community can take
advantage of provincial goals and directions by building on provincial
programs and HPS funding opportunities.
c. The Housing First approach requires access to a range of client
supports. How will you engage (or how are you engaging)
provincial or territorial programs to facilitate access to
provincial/territorial services for Housing First clients?
To the degree possible, HPS Emergency Housing funds and complementary
services will build on the provincial homelessness programs and initiatives.
Opportunities for alignment will be identified through quarterly meetings and
ongoing communications. Prior to Calls for Proposals BC Housing will meet
with the CE, CAB and Service Canada to identify ways and means to optimize
community access to provincial and federal funding opportunities, and
prevent duplication.
12 | P a g e3. Community Contribution
As part of the eligibility for HPS Designated Community funding, each community must be able to demonstrate that it
has mobilized funding partners to contribute to its homelessness efforts.
• Your community must show that it can identify $1 contributing to your homelessness efforts from other sources
for every dollar in your Designated Community allocation.
o The community contribution can include funding from any partner other than HPS such as: governments
(Federal, Provincial/Territorial or Municipal/Regional); public institutions, such as hospitals, schools or
universities; aboriginal organizations; private sector organizations; and not-for-profit/charitable sector
organizations, such as foundations or the United Way.
o If an organization is contributing (financial or in-kind) to more than one activity, you may combine all the
amounts received and enter the information once.
• The Community Entity (CE) will be required to report annually on the actual amount received.
You will be asked to provide this information during the annual update. At this time, we need information about your
community contribution for 2014-2015.
a. How many funders have you identified? 10
Name of Funder Type of Funder Contact Information Financial Non-Financial Total
Contribution Contribution Contribution
Contact (E-mail or Phone Number) (dollars) (Estimate in (Dollars)
Person Dollars)
BC Housing Province/Territory Loris ldennis@bchousing.org 30,000,000 0 30,000,000
Dennis
StreetoHome Foundation Rob robt@streetohome.org 26,500,000 0 26,500,000
Foundation Turnbull
Vancouver Foundation Mark mark.gifford@vancouverfoundation.ca 7,500,000 0 7,500,000
Foundation Gifford
13 | P a g eVancity Foundation Vera vera_lefranc@vancity.com 4,000,000 0 4,000,000
Community LeFranc
Foundation
Surrey Foundation Vera vera_lefranc@vancity.com 2,200,000 0 2,200,000
Homelessness LeFranc
and Housing
Society
Vancouver Other: Health Bonnie bonne.wilson2@vch.ca 8,250,000 0 8,250,000
Coastal Health Authority Wilson
United Way of the Not for Deb debb@uwlm.ca 250,000 0 250,000
Lower Mainland profit/Charity Bryant
City of Vancouver Municipality Brenda tiggy.hall@vancouver.ca 75,000 500,000 575,000
Prosken
Fraser Health Other: Health Becky becky.doherty@fraserhealth.ca 0 0
Authority Doherty
City of Surrey Municipality Aileen amurphy@surrey.ca 0 0
Murphy
Total Community Contribution $79,275,000
(dollars)
HPS Designated Communities Funding Stream allocation $8,221,829
(dollars)
Reporting
The Community Advisory Board is expected to report to its funder (Employment and Social Development Canada), its stakeholders and
the broader community on what it is doing and the progress the community is making in reducing homelessness.
The HPS was renewed with a commitment to using a Housing First approach and demonstrate reductions in homelessness. The
collection of data and results will be critical to this change. As part of your community planning process, you will set priorities and
select activities. Projects should lead to results that contribute to reductions in homelessness. The HPS has identified specific results
that it will be collecting through Results Reporting, but the CAB and CE should also be working together to identify other results they
would like to gather.
14 | P a g eYour Priorities
Priorities The percentage of your Activities Selected Targets for 2014-2015
HPS Designated Community (DC) Where a target is set at 0 it could be
allocation because:
that will be invested in this priority in: (1) The community will not be
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 implementing the activities in
- - - - - 2014-2015.
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 (2) The activities will lead to
outcomes different from the ones
identified in the targets.
To reduce 40% 68 % 68 % 68 % 68 % % of HF Funds by activity selected • Number of individuals that will be
homelessness DC DC DC DC DC (Related to 2014-2015 only) placed in housing through an HF
through a intervention:
Housing First ● 13%: HF Readiness ‡ 93
(HF) ● 23%: Client Intake & Assessment
• Number of days for HF clients to
approach* §
move into permanent housing after
● 20%: Connecting to and
intake:
Maintaining Permanent
365
Housing **
● 32%: Accessing Services through • Percentage of HF clients who will
case management †† successfully exit the program to a
● 12%: Data, Tracking & Monitoring positive housing situation:
‡‡
0
To improve 30% 10% 9% DC 10% 7% DC Housing Placement (outside of The HPS has not asked for targets
the self- DC DC DC Housing First) related to this activity.
sufficiency of
homeless Connecting clients to income 57 people will increase their income
individuals supports or income stability.
and families
and those at Pre-employment suport and bridging 57 people will increase their
imminent risk to the labour market employment stability or will start
of part-time or full-time
homelessness employment.
through 57 people will start a job training
individualized program.
15 | P a g ePriorities The percentage of your Activities Selected Targets for 2014-2015
HPS Designated Community (DC) Where a target is set at 0 it could be
allocation because:
that will be invested in this priority in: (1) The community will not be
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 implementing the activities in
- - - - - 2014-2015.
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 (2) The activities will lead to
outcomes different from the ones
identified in the targets.
services † Life skills development (e.g. The HPS has not asked for targets
budgeting, cooking) related to this activity.
Supports to improve client's social The HPS has not asked for targets
integration related to this activity.
Culturally relevant responses to help The HPS has not asked for targets
Aboriginal clients related to this activity.
Connecting clients to education and 57 people will start part-time or full-
supporting success time education.
Liaise and refer to appropriate 57 people will remain housed at
resources three months after receiving a
housing loss prevention
intervention.
Housing loss prevention (only for The HPS has not asked for targets
individuals and families at imminent related to this activity.
risk of homelessness)
Basic or urgent needs services The HPS has not asked for targets
related to this activity.
To preserve or 25 % 20 % 20 % 20 % 20 % Transitional housing facilities 22 new transitional housing units
increase the DC DC DC DC DC will be added to a new or existing
capacity of housing unit.
16 | P a g ePriorities The percentage of your Activities Selected Targets for 2014-2015
HPS Designated Community (DC) Where a target is set at 0 it could be
allocation because:
that will be invested in this priority in: (1) The community will not be
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 implementing the activities in
- - - - - 2014-2015.
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 (2) The activities will lead to
outcomes different from the ones
identified in the targets.
facilities used Supportive housing facilities 24 new permanent support housing
to address the units will be added to a new or
needs of existing housing unit.
people who
are homeless Emergency shelter facilities 10 new emergency shelter beds will
or at be added to an existing emerency
imminent risk shelter.
of
Non-residential facilities The HPS has not asked for targets
homelessness.
related to this activity.
17 | P a g ePriorities The percentage of your Activities Selected Targets for 2014-2015
HPS Designated Community (DC) Where a target is set at 0 it could be
allocation because:
that will be invested in this priority in: (1) The community will not be
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 implementing the activities in
- - - - - 2014-2015.
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 (2) The activities will lead to
outcomes different from the ones
identified in the targets.
To ensure 3% DC 1% DC 1% DC 1% DC 4% DC - Determining a model in support of The HPS has not asked for targets
coordination a broader systematic approach to related to these activities.
of resources addressing homelessness
and - Identifying, integrating and
leveraging improving services (including staff
training on activities and functions in
support of a systems approach to
homelessness)
- Partnership and development in
support of systems approach to
homelessness
- Working with the housing sector to
identify opportunities for and
barriers to permanent housing (e.g.
establishing landlord relationships,
mapping of current available assets)
in support of a broader systematic
approach to addressing
homelessness
- Consultation, coordination,
planning, and assessment (e.g.
community planning)
18 | P a g ePriorities The percentage of your Activities Selected Targets for 2014-2015
HPS Designated Community (DC) Where a target is set at 0 it could be
allocation because:
that will be invested in this priority in: (1) The community will not be
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 implementing the activities in
- - - - - 2014-2015.
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 (2) The activities will lead to
outcomes different from the ones
identified in the targets.
To improve 2% DC 1% DC 2% DC 1% DC 1% DC - Identifying the size and make-up The HPS has not asked for targets
data of the entire homeless population related to these activities.
collection and - Tracking non-Housing First clients
use - Point-in-time counts
- Community indicators (beyond the
requirements for HPS)
- Information collection and sharing
(including implementing and using
HIFIS)
Notes:
*
The Housing First model includes both housing and access to supports primarily for chronically and episodically
homeless individuals. The services provided are offered through an integrated approach and are interdependent.
Generally, the approach will be to ensure that Housing First clients have access to all the existing services required.
‡
Housing First readiness activities include:
• Determining the Housing First model (e.g. consultation, coordination, planning, and assessment)
• Identifying, integrating and improving services (including staff training on Housing First activities and functions)
• Partnership development in support of a Housing First approach
• Working with the housing sector to identify opportunities for and barriers to permanent housing (e.g.
establishing landlord relationships, mapping of
current available assets)
§
Client intake and assessment activities include:
• Coordinated intake management (where feasible)
• Client identification, intake and assessment, focusing on the chronically and episodically homeless populations.
19 | P a g e**
Connecting to and maintaining permanent housing require communities to establish housing teams that implement
the following activities:
• Facilitate access to housing, which could include providing emergency housing funding to bridge clients to
provincial/territorial system
• Set-up apartments (insurance, damage deposit, first and last months’ rent, basic groceries and supplies at move-
in, etc.)
• Furnish apartments for HF clients (furniture, dishes, etc.)
• Repair damages caused by HF clients
• Provide Landlord-tenant services
• Re-housing (if required)
††
Accessing services through case management include the following activities:
• Coordination of a case management team
• Peer Support
• Working with clients to set goals
• Identifying a strategy for reaching the goals
• Connecting clients to services needed to reach the client’s goal
• Monitoring progress
• Support services to improve the self-sufficiency of chronically and episodically homeless individuals and families
in the Housing First program through individualized services, including: connecting clients to income supports; pre-
employment support, and bridging to the labour market; life skills development (e.g. budgeting, cooking); supports
to improve clients’ social integration; and culturally relevant responses to help Aboriginal clients; and connecting
clients to education and supporting success
‡‡
Data, tracking, and monitoring activities include:
• Identifying the size and make-up of the chronically and episodically homeless population by accessing shelter
data
• Tracking HF Clients
†
These services are offered primarily to individuals who are homeless or imminently at risk that are not part of the
Housing First program.
20 | P a g eResults With renewal, the HPS is increasing the focus on achieving results. All projects are expected to contribute to reducing or preventing homelessness and CABs and CEs should be working together to determine how they will measure project success. The HPS has identified a number of indicators it will be using to measure the success of the HPS at reducing and preventing homelessness. 21 | P a g e
Description of your Priorities
Housing First (HF) Priority
Rationale
Why is this a priority for your community? If the priority was identified
in another related plan or planning process, please identify it.
To reduce homelessness, the community identified a need to provide permanent
housing for the chronically homeless population. In 2011, the Metro Vancouver
Homeless Count identified 222 individuals who were homeless for 6-12 months
on the night of the count. In 2012, BC Housing counted 417 individuals that
were homeless for 180 cumulative days in their permanent shelters. Preliminary
data from the 2014 Homeless Count indicate that numbers have increased
overall by 5% however it is not known at this time whether this affects the trend
of chronic or episodic homelessness.
During regional consultations, service providers identified Housing First as one of
the preferred approaches to addressing homelessness among the chronically and
episodically homeless populations, as well as among the homeless population in
general.
The results of the “Lets Talk Ending Homelessness” consultation survey showed
that the community ranked “Provide more housing in the region to persons who
are homeless or at-risk of homelessness through a combination of purpose built,
dedicated buildings and scattered site units.”, most important out of six options
on Housing Strategies. “Establish partnerships between housing providers,
government agencies, businesses and developers to increase the number of
subsidized units in the region.” was ranked 5th. From a list of capacity building
strategies, “collaboration between local and regional government agencies,
housing and shelter providers, and health practitioners to increase the collective
capacity to provide services, build consensus on new initiatives, and enhance
support across communities.”, “Encourage integration of services by
coordinating funding providers, increasing access to funding, creating
consistent criteria, and removing competitive nature of funding applications.”
and “Provide professional development and specialized training for staff working
with people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.” were ranked 1st, 2nd
and 6th respectively. The RSCH Funders Table identified this priority as a
funding gap among the regional funders of homelessness services and facilities,
and recommended that some funds be allocated to this priority.
22 | P a g eWhat other resources can you leverage to contribute to your HF efforts?
• HF Readiness
The Transition Year will be used to invest in exploring readiness resources that
HPS can leverage.
• Client Intake & Assessment
Intake; assessment protocols of the housing and health authorities will be
explored for region-wide application in HPS-funded facilities as part of the
Transition Year Housing First Readiness investment.
• Connecting to and Maintaining Permanent Housing
The province aims to construct 1600 units of supportive housing. Implications
for HPS –funded Housing First clients to be explored during Transition Year
• Accessing Services
The health authorities operate Intensive Case Management and Assertive
Community Treatment teams and will be consulted with on the best approach to
leveraging this resource for HPS Housing First investments.
• Data, Tracking & Monitoring
Service providers are collecting data on clients and outcomes. HIFIS is being
explored as an option to track and monitor Housing First clients. This will be
finalized during the Transition Year.
Description of the Housing First (HF) Approach
Please describe your Housing First approach, identify what percentage
of your allocation will be used towards furnishing and repairing
housing for HF purposes and provide a timeline for HF implementation.
The Housing First approach for Metro Vancouver will be developed during the
transitional year through investments in Housing First Readiness activities. The
following presents the definition taken to analyze regional resources and
infrastructure to inform the year 1 priorities and investment strategy:
There will be no requirement for people who are homeless to become ‘housing
ready’ before getting permanent housing. They do not need to move through the
continuum of shelters and transitional housing before being eligible for
permanent housing, and they don’t need to be engaged in mental health or
addictions treatment programs prior to being housed. Housing First is based on
the idea that issues that may have contributed to a person’s homelessness, such
as a lack of employment, addiction, poor mental or physical health, can be best
addressed once a person has stable housing.
23 | P a g eThe model in the region includes a variety of approaches. It includes scattered
site, dedicated buildings and convertible leases as described in the “Let’s Talk
Ending Homelessness” consultations. Our scattered site approach, also referred
to as the rent supplement approach, is to help participants access a self-
contained apartment in a private rental building or secondary suite in someone’s
home and receive a rent subsidy as well as support services.
In our region, rent subsidies may be provided on a short or long-term basis,
depending on the particular program. Another approach in our region is for
participants to be offered housing in dedicated buildings (usually non-profit)
where all the units are dedicated to a particular target population. This approach
is also known as congregate housing – particularly if tenants share some of the
common spaces or facilities.
A third approach in our region is where units are originally leased to an agency
that offers the unit to a program participant. After a certain period of time (e.g.
the participant has successfully completed a program or time-limited case
management), the participant may assume responsibility for the lease and
become a ‘permanent’ tenant. This approach, which may be known as a
convertible lease, enables participants to maintain their housing and avoid the
disruption of being required to move at the end of a program.
The CAB recognizes that support services are critical to the success of a Housing
First approach, and that services may vary in intensity when a person is housed
to ensure a successful tenancy and promote economic and social well-being.
Services may be short-term (e.g. up to 12 months) to help participants stabilize
in their housing and access community-based resources, or long-term. Longer-
term approaches may include Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) – a model
of case management where a multi-disciplinary team of professionals provides
services to clients on an outreach basis, or Intensive Case Management (ICM) –
where a single case manager delivers services and coordinates access to
available services in the community.
Generally, clients may move through the Housing First system as follows:
- Referral / outreach;
- Permanent housing;
- support services;
- independence
24 | P a g eThis flow will be enabled through coordinated access to housing, common intake
and prioritization processes; protocols, centralized case management system,
centralized registry of available units, standards of care, monitoring and
reporting. Housing first is one of many solutions. Aboriginal communities,
women, children, youth and other priority populations require dedicated
approaches that meet their unique needs.
Target Group(s)
Please describe in more detail the group(s) this priority will address.
• Chronically homeless individuals
• Episodically homeless individuals
Individualized Services priorities
Rationale
Why is this a priority for your community? If the priority was identified
in another related plan or planning process, please identify it.
The results of the “Lets Talk Ending Homelessness” consultation survey showed
that the community ranked from among the 7 prevention and support strategies,
“Improve the situation of people who are homeless and at-risk of homelessness
by making financial assistance and subsidy programs accessible and adequate”
most important, with the second highest ranked strategy being “Increase,
enhance and update outreach and support services to become more flexible,
responsive and inclusive in their approach” out of seven options. Provide a
range of support services throughout the region that are specific to Aboriginal
communities and at-risk populations, such as services specific to at-risk youth,
seniors, women, families, and persons with mental health or addiction issues,
was ranked third, “Increase access to education and employment opportunities
for at-risk groups to improve their financial situation and prospects for personal
growth” ranked fourth, Foster community building and a sense of belonging by
creating social networks and connections for clients” was ranked 5th, “Improve
discharge planning and support for individuals leaving hospitals, treatment
centres, and prisons” ranked 6th, and “Improve access to food programs and
nutritious meals for individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness,
living in shelters and living in supportive housing” ranked 7th.
25 | P a g eTarget Group(s) within the homeless and at imminent risk of homelessness
populations
Please describe in more detail the group(s) this priority will address.
- Families and children - Men
- Youth - Women
- Seniors - People with a mental health
- Aboriginal people issue
- Immigrants and refugees - People with disabilities (other
- Veterans than mental health)
- Official languages minority - People with addictions
communities
Facilities priorities
Rationale
Why is this a priority for your community? If the priority was identified
in another related plan or planning process, please identify it.
The results of the “Lets Talk Ending Homelessness” consultation survey showed
that the community ranked “Provide more housing in the region to persons who
are homeless or at-risk of homelessness through a combination of purpose built,
dedicated buildings and scattered site units.”, most important out of six options
on Housing Strategies. Provide a range of support services throughout the
region that are specific to Aboriginal communities and at-risk populations, such
as services specific to at-risk youth, seniors, women, families, and persons with
mental health or addiction issues, was ranked second as a Housing strategy.
“Prevent the loss of units and improve the quality of existing low income
housing stock (e.g. upgrading SROs and renovating existing buildings)” was
ranked third, and “Continue to provide different types of shelters and safe
houses as part of the housing spectrum, and focus on enhancing shelter safety,
expanding operations to provide more onsite support and case planning, and
strategically develop shelters in underserved communities.”, was ranked 4th.
26 | P a g eTarget Group(s) within the homeless and at imminent risk of homelessness
populations
Please describe in more detail the group(s) this priority will address.
- Families and children - Men
- Youth - Women
- Seniors - People with a mental health
- Aboriginal people issue
- Immigrants and refugees - People with disabilities (other
- Veterans than mental health)
- Official languages minority - People with addictions
communities
Coordination of Resources and Leveraging Priority
Rationale
Why is this a priority for your community? If the priority was identified
in another related plan or planning process, please identify it.
From among nine capacity building strategies, the results of the “Lets Talk
Ending Homelessness” consultation survey showed that the community ranked
“Facilitate collaboration between local and regional government agencies,
housing and shelter providers, and health practitioners to increase the collective
capacity to provide services, build consensus on new initiatives, and enhance
support across communities” as most important. “Provide professional
development and specialized training for staff working with people who are
homeless or at-risk of homelessness” was ranked 6th, and “Develop consultation
and planning processes that are meaningful and inclusive” was ranked 8th. The
members of the Funders Table advised that this priority be allocated some
funding. While different organizations may be engaged in this activity, few
related activities are implemented at a regional level, other than that of the CAB
and CE.
27 | P a g eData Collection and Use Priority
Rationale
Why is this a priority for your community? If the priority was identified
in another related plan or planning process, please identify it.
The results of the “Lets Talk Ending Homelessness” consultation survey showed
that the community ranked “Support opportunities for housing and homelessness
research and make data and information accessible to the sector” lowest out of
nine options. Members of the Funders Table recommended that this priority be
allocated some funding. It was identified as a gap in the regional Housing First
system, and was not anticipated to be funded by the members of the Funders
Table during the coming program period. This priority is considered a funding
gap as no other regional funders of homeless services and facilities indicate that
this priority will be funded at the regional level during the coming period. The
CAB determined that funds should be allocated each year in anticipation that it
will be an ongoing need.The region conducts a triennial point in time count of
the street and sheltered homeless population, and would require support from
HPS to implement the next count in 2017. At a project level, investment in this
activity will be important for tracking outcomes of non-Housing First clients for
community – defined indicators and targets.
28 | P a g eYou can also read
