We Winter Spring 2016

MAGAZINE OF UNITED WAY OF THE ALBERTA CAPITAL REGION • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 Culturally based program offers help to aboriginal people experiencing homelessness Warm Welcome Shelter Solutions Making refugees feel at home in our community Safe housing and tolerance are prioritiesPM#40020055 for LGBTQ youth Plus: Financial literacy course makes property ownership a reality for many Albertans TTHHIISS IISSSSUUEE OOFF WWEE MMAAGGAAZZIINNEE IISS GGEENNEERROOUUSSLLYY SSPPOONNSSOORREEDD BBYY EPCOR

It’s hard to imagine enduring our winter monthswithout the appropriate clothing. For many people livingin poverty in our community, that’s the cold, harsh reality.Because of your incredible generosity, nearly 5,800 adults and children inthe Alberta Capital Region were able to stay warm this winter.Thank you for donating to Coats for Kids & Families, and for ensuringno one is left out in the cold.2015 PRESENTING PARTNERS

24 WINTER/SPRING • 2016 DEPARTMENTS SPOTLIGHT The Housing Issue▲ ON THE COVER: 4 MESSAGE FROMGeorge Belcourt, pictured 10 SEEKING SAFE SHELTERwith his wife Darilyn. UNITED WAY Too many LGBTQ youth are ending up on thePHOTO: Darryl Propp streets, but organizations like SAFQEY are stepping in to help5 5 COMMUNITY CHAMPION 14 HOUSE SMARTS Bissell Centre volunteer Making home ownership a reality for low income residents Agathe Joly gives free haircuts 14 18 HOME TO STAY to those in need 18 The Community Bridge program helps people 6 THIS WAY IN 30 who are at risk of eviction 34 United Way initiatives 22 PORTRAIT OF HOMELESSNESS including DKNY Night of Fashion and Wild Wagons Edmonton’s homeless by the numbers Showdown 24 CULTURAL CONNECTION 9 TRUTH BE TOLD Offering Edmonton’s aboriginal homeless Dispelling myths about population healing and hope through culturally40 housing and homelessness based programs 40 BUSINESS WAY 30 BETTER TOGETHER PCL employees offer a helping The 20,000 Homes campaign is a national hand to the homeless effort to address homelessness 41 LEADING EDGE 34 A SAFE REFUGE CMHA Edmonton Region Housing shortages are only one of many issues and The Support Network facing immigrants and refugees42 join forces SPONSOR PROFILES 42 MILESTONES 29 LIFTING UP A COMMUNITY Celebrating 10 years of the Engineering Challenge EPCOR celebrates 125 years of working with local service organizations to help those in need 38 A PLACE TO CALL HOME Brookfield Residential thinks all Albertans should have safe shelter WEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 3

OUR WAY Joanne Currie WINTER/SPRING 2016 VOL 5 • No. 1 Director, Community Building & Investment, Financial Stability UNITED WAY OF THE ALBERTA CAPITAL REGION and Independence EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Nancy Critchley United Way of the Alberta ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Angela Dorval, Mike Kluttig, Capital Region David Odumade COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT: Cindy McDonald Putting an End to Homelessness EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Joanne Currie, Myrna Khan, Sheilah Pittman, Anne Smith WITHOUT A PLACE TO CALL HOME, WITHOUT MONEY, or ID, participating in our community becomes a lot more challenging. SPONSORSHIP AND CORPORATE SUPPORT COMMITTEE Some of us take it for granted that we can quite easily get from Nancy Critchley, Kevin Fitzgerald, Myrna Khan, Mike Kluttig, one place to another, call for help when we need it, show ID if it is Stephane Hache required, find a bite to eat or a coffee when we crave it, and have a place to call home. When people do not have access to affordable, VENTURE PUBLISHING INC. quality housing, they are often at greater risk of having health PUBLISHER: Ruth Kelly problems, getting involved in or being vulnerable to criminal activity, MANAGING EDITOR: Kim Tannas and are more vulnerable to mental illness and addictions. ART DIRECTOR: Charles Burke GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Andrew Wedman We might think we know what homelessness looks like, but the PRODUCTION MANAGER: Betty Feniak truth is it doesn’t look like any one person or situation. Homelessness PRODUCTION TECHNICIANS: Brent Felzien, Brandon Hoover is an experience someone is having at a point in time. Some people CIRCULATION: Karen Reilly may need to flee their home for safety; they may be staying on a family member or friend’s couch to get by for a time. Some cannot CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Caroline Barlott, Sydnee Bryant, afford a home due to the high cost of rent, relative to their income. Lisa Catterall, Julie-Ann Cleyn, David DiCenzo, Martin Dover, Others may move here looking for work but not be able to find an Michelle Lindstrom, Erin McCarty, Omar Mouallem affordable place to live. CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS: I am proud of the work we do with our community partners in the Raymond Bourque, Cooper & O’Hara, Jared Evans, area of housing and homelessness. It is a basic need that each of Sharon Litchfield, Blake Loates, Evan Montgomery, us deserves. As a community we need systems in place to support Heff O’Reilley, Darryl Propp people in a wide range of situations, and provide housing alternatives to ensure that everyone has a safe place to live. ABOUT UNITED WAY The mission of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region is to Thank you to Brookfield Residential and EPCOR for sponsoring this mobilize collective action to create pathways out of poverty. issue of WE magazine. This issue highlights some of the great work that has been happening in the areas of housing and homelessness in WE is published for United Way of the Alberta Capital Region our community. I hope it will inspire others to continue to support indi- by Venture Publishing Inc., 10259-105 Street viduals who are experiencing housing challenges and work to address Edmonton, AB T5J 1E3 the larger structural issues to finally put an end to homelessness. Tel: 780-990-0839 Fax: 780-425-4921 Toll-free: 1-866-227-4276 circulation@venturepublishing.ca4 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 Printed in Canada by Mitchell Press WE is printed on Forest Stewardship Council ® certified paper Publications Agreement #40020055 ISSN 1925-8690 Contents copyright 2016. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without permission from United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. WEMAGAZINE.CA

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONSThe PHOTO: RAYMOND BOURQUEKindestCutLong-time Bissell Centrevolunteer Agathe Joly givesback to the communityone haircut at a timeby KIM TANNASFOR THE PAST 23 YEARS, AGATHE JOLY HAS BEEN WE: What kind of people do you typically see coming ingiving free haircuts to people who couldn’t otherwise for free haircuts?afford them. In that simple act, the 76-year-old sees those AJ: We have people who really don’t have a permanentindividuals transformed, not just in how they look but also home. They have temporary places where they stay –in how they feel. sometimes with a relative, sometimes with a friend. And nothing is ever permanent for them. There are others who She leads a team of eight volunteers who give haircuts have had a small apartment for years. But a lot of themand do beard and moustache trims every Tuesday don’t really have a home to go to. They’re on the street.afternoon at the Bissell Centre. Together they do about20 to 25 haircuts a week. Early on, she saw a need to help WE: What makes you come back every week?people in the inner city with their grooming in order to AJ: I find it very fulfilling. I, myself, had a very protected life.boost their confidence. Some might have a job interview I’m from a large family where there was a lot of love. And Ithe next day and want to look their best, while others are find that this is what’s lacking in these people. Some of themnew to the city and can’t afford a barber or hair salon. come back week after week, and it’s just to be cared for aMany live on the streets and simply want to be cared little bit while they’re there. And that’s our role. It’s just to befor. We spoke to Joly about how it all began and what there – to smile and give them a haircut.motivates her to give back.WE: How did you get involved with this? WE: How do people usually respond?AJ: Twenty-some years ago the Sisters of Charity that AJ: You know how we feel when we get our hair done. Youwere working in the inner city started this up. The one that feel like a new person. Well, they’re not any different. WeI hooked up with, she was working at the George Spady show them the mirror, and one guy said to me one day, “IsCentre – she had known that I cut hair and we were invited that me?” It was such a transformation. It’s a big thing forto cut hair at the Bissell Centre. Of course, there are no them, to not have to pay for a haircut. Some of them can’tsisters left to work with us now, but we are associates of afford it. The guys on the street tell us they can’t get a hair-the Sisters of Charity. We commit to continue their work, to cut for less than $15. That’s a lot of money when you don’tcontinue the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul who gave his life have a job. So we do that voluntarily and we do it because,for people living in poverty. personally I need that in my life, to have a balance.WEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 5

by UNITED WAY STAFFFASHION FORWARD ON NOVEMBER 9, 2015, DKNY EDMONTON HOSTED A NIGHT OF FASHION IN SUPPORTof United Way. The event took place at the Art Gallery of Alberta and was hosted by Edmonton’s First Lady and2016 United Way campaign cabinet co-chair, Sarah Chan. The event was a great success, raising more than$20,000 for United Way of the Alberta Capital Region.1. Guests enjoying themselves at the DKNY Night of Fashion in support of United Way 5. Performance by the Alberta Ballet 6. Lance Chung, managing director, DKNY Edmonton2. Stunning decor at the Art Gallery of Alberta 7. DKNY fashion show3. Awaiting the arrival of guests at the Art Gallery of Alberta4. Myrna Khan, United Way; Ruth Kelly, 2015 United Way campaign chair; Tom Redl and Sarah Chan, 2016 United Way campaign cabinet co-chairs1. 3. 2.4. 5.6. 7. PHOTOS: SHARON LITCHFIELD AND BLAKE LOATES WEMAGAZINE.CA6 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016

WILD WAGONS SHOWDOWN: Community members attended a free family event at Fort Edmonton Park in November to thank everyone for their support of United Way.SHOWDOWN IN THE WILD WEST MORE THAN 500 COMMUNITY MEMBERS CAME OUT first known race of its kind in Alberta.to Fort Edmonton Park on Sunday, November 8, 2015, for the first-ever “The Wild Wagons Showdown is anUnited Way Wild Wagons Showdown, a free event put on with the generoussupport of Edmonton Tourism, Northlands and Fort Edmonton Park. opportunity to thank everyone in our community for their ongoing support of Some of the highlights of the community-wide family event were horse- United Way and to help raise awarenessdrawn wagon rides, a kids’ craft corner, and musical entertainment by The about how poverty affects us all,” statedCarolines and Jack the Fiddler. But one of the biggest draws was cheering Mike Kluttig, vice-president of Communityon local companies as they competed in human chuckwagon races – the Engagement with United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. STRONG FINISH: PCL placed first in the human chuckwagon races. “This event was also an opportunity to share the accomplishments of companies who support United Way and highlight the impact that we are having in our region. United Way has a vision of a poverty-free community, but we know that the issue is not just about one organization, it’s a community-wide cause.” Participating teams included ATB, Chandos, Edmonton International Airport, Edmonton and District Labour Council, Enbridge, Government of Alberta, Heartland, Northlands, PCL, and Stantec. And the grand prize winner was PCL Construction.WEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 7

UNITED VOICES: The Top Ten contestants in the2015 My United Way Voice contest performed atWest Edmonton Mall on December 6, 2015.VOICES AGAINST POVERTY ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2015, UNITED WAY IN take a stand against poverty by uploading a YouTube video ofpartnership with Hot 107FM and PlanIt Sound, launched their submission, for a chance to win a fully sponsored prizethe 2nd edition of My United Voice, a Capital Region-wide package valued at $10,000.contest to find the next voice against poverty. Building off thesuccess of the inaugural year, United Way decided to bring The top 10 contestants were chosen from almost 50 entries,back the contest and give more people an opportunity to share and the winner selected by the public through an online votetheir voice against poverty. at United Way’s Red Tie Gala on February 25, 2016. To learn more about the contest and to see the winner, visit Singers, rappers and spoken word artists were invited to www.myunitedwayvoice.ca. THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS! DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL? DURING OUR CAMPAIGN SEASON, UNITED WAY RECEIVESrequests from hundreds of organizations to hear first-hand how United Has a United Way funded partner agency had aWay is improving the lives of people in our community. positive impact on your life, or someone you know? Are you a volunteer or staff member of an agency In 2015, 52 United Way Community Impact Speakers volunteered who can share your knowledge of the inspiringtheir time and public speaking skills, sharing personal stories about the work happening in our community? Become aneeds and supports that exist in our community. These presentations part of United Way’s volunteer Community Impactinform and inspire people to support United Way in our collective action Speaker program, and you’ll receive free publicto end poverty in the Alberta Capital Region. speaking training, meet great people and inspire social change. United Way would like to acknowledge the unique contribution, andsignificant impact made by our volunteer speakers, and thank them for For more information please contact Tasha attheir truly priceless gifts. 780-443-8380 or tmich@myunitedway.ca8 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 WEMAGAZINE.CA

TRUTH BE TOLD by MARTIN DOVERRethinking HomelessnessExperts in the field shed some light on common misperceptionsAS OF 2014, BY THE CITY’S anything to do with that program and TRUTH #3. PEOPLE WHO ARElast biennial Homeless Count, there the strings and the rules that come with SUCCESSFULLY HOUSED AREwere 2,307 homeless people recorded in getting housing.’ A lot of these folks OFTEN GOOD TENANTS.Edmonton, nearly a fifth of those under [who become Housing First clients] There is often a belief that people whothe age of 18. Add to that the people who have tried different programs five or 10 are housed will not care for their homesmay be just a missed paycheque or one times and they haven’t been successful.” and will let them fall into disrepair. Inlife event away from stable housing, The Housing First program has shown his experience, it is often the opposite,or those who might be couch-surfing – impressive results: since 2009, more says Bayne. “We have to remember howstaying with friends or family until they than 5,000 people have found homes, new this approach is in this community.have to move on – and the numbers climb with more than 80 per cent remaining The Housing First approach seems veryeven higher. successfully housed. straightforward: we’ll get you housing first and then we will work with you on In this issue of WE magazine, we TRUTH #2. PEOPLE WHO ARE some of the factors that have madesat down with Homeward Trust’s Giri HOUSED THROUGH PROGRAMS or kept you homeless. The system wePuligandla and Jarrod Bayne, who help DON’T GET A “FREE” HOME. had before put people through a lot ofshed some light on why people experience The myth that people get a free home steps; it’s no surprise that a lot of peoplehomelessness and what is being done to through housing programs revolves weren’t successful with that.end the cycle in the Capital Region. around two things, explains Bayne. “First, the work to end homelessness A person has a voice now in whereTRUTH #1. PEOPLE DON’T WANT is an intervention. It’s time-limited and they live and what furniture theyTO BE HOMELESS. a person is supported to resolve their have in their apartment and thatAside from some rare exceptions, what homelessness and then they move on. builds ownership and helps a personwe’ve found is that most people don’t They are not a homeless person; they are get connected to a home, and not awant to be living out in a tent, especially a person that experienced homelessness placement.”in the winter months, says Giri Puligandla, for an amount of time.” Second is thedirector of planning and research at cost portion. There are indeed resources Often big-name landlords will approachHomeward Trust. invested in that person, he explains, “but Homeward Trust because they realize the it’s much, much more expensive to do organization’s clients have more support The Housing First Support Program nothing and to leave a person on the to be good tenants. “When Housing Firstfocuses on housing people first, rather street to interact with police, ambulance, rolled out, back in 2009 with a 10-yearthan forcing them, at the outset, to hospitals, shelters, food banks, and all the plan to end homelessness, Boardwalkdeal with other issues that often go emergency services.” was one of the first companies to step uphand-in-hand with homelessness, such to the plate and offer access to units,”as addiction – which can be addressed In fact, each person who is chronically explains Puligandla. “[Clients] sign theirfar more effectively once a person has homeless costs the taxpayer around lease. Support workers teach the clientstable housing. Jarrod Bayne, Homeward $100,000 on the streets, but $30,000 how to work with the neighbours, howTrust’s chief programs officer, agrees. or less to house and support, says to work with the landlord to resolve“[Homelessness is] not usually a choice Hal Danchilla, chair of the Edmonton issues ... You just make sure that theythat they’re making,” he says. Homeless Commission. have the support that they need and people will be successful.” “Usually it’s more like, ‘I don’t wantWEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 9

SHIFTING ATTITUDES: Colette Chelle has faced homelessness WEMAGAZINE.CA and discrimination since coming out as transgender five years ago. Organizations like SAFQEY are working to change that.10 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016

SSAeeFkEing The Housing Issue Shelter With a disproportionate number of LGBTQ youth ending up on the streets, organizations are working to improve acceptance and tolerance by OMAR MOUALLEM Photography by DARRYL PROPP S IPPING PEPPERMINT TEA IN A CROWDED FAST FOOD restaurant on the city’s north side, Colette Chelle recounts the five harrowing years since coming out as a transgender female. She ignores those eyes and heads unable to turn away for longer than it takes to eat a french fry, and speaks bravely, sometimes brashly, about the forces impeding her physical transition and the so-called “cosmetic” treatments that feel far out of reach: laser hair removal, facial feminization, “top surgery.” The list (and bill) goes on. “You have stupid things like this that cost $6,000 to get rid of,” says the 21-year-old, pinching her Adam’s apple, a body part that’s felt alien to her for as long as it has existed. “I don’t know how I’m going to pay for everything.” For someone who’s been homeless on and off since age 17, paying rent is hard enough. Add systematic discrimination in age, employment, policy, housing – and not to mention one’s own family – and you get an idea of the mountainous challenges facing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth living on the street. The challenges facing homeless shelters isWEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 11

no less steep; although LGBTQ people represent up to 10 cost Leibel childhood friends and family relations. Still, he considersper cent of the general population, they represent up to himself privileged; he came out as transgender during university, when40 per cent of the youth homeless population, according he’d already established independence. “There were trans youth workingto the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. Creating in the sex trade and addicted to meth. It was the protective factors in mysafe spaces for them is imperative. life that separated me from them.” Leibel has since established the SocietyTheir overrepresentation in the homeless youth for Safe Accommodations for Queer Edmonton Youth, or SAFQEY, anpopulation is staggering and organization supporting LGBTQ youthcontradictory of the last More training about inclusive, facing homelessness in a number of ways,decade’s civil rights progress. non-judgmental practices are definitely including working to establish Alberta’sBut the queer revolution first LGBTQ specialized housing. It’s sohas also caused ruptures in needed for all our staff. far raised $10,000 through corporate andhomes, where one generation – Jeralee Konschuh, YESS program manager private charity and hopes to become theis increasingly expressive beneficiary of a six-bedroom home openingabout its sexual orientation to primarily trans youth. This number willand gender identity, and the other hasn’t caught up. “I reach $35,000, once it officially receives $25,000 from Homeward Trust,didn’t even know what the word ‘trans’ was till I was as SAFQEY was its 2015/2016 “raising the roof ” fundraiser beneficiary.18,” says Sam Leibel, a queer rights advocate and social “The next step of funding will be for [all] LGBTQ,” says Leibel, who alsoworker. “Now they’re coming out at seven, nine, 11 years produced For Want of a Home, a feature documentary that’s available onold!” He adds, “We’re telling people it’s OK to be gay but YouTube. SAFQEY recently completed a five-year strategic plan. Leibelwe’re not preparing people for the reality.” believes specialized services for LGBTQ people need to be offered onHe should know. Identifying as a transgender male a spectrum, including but not limited to emergency beds, transitional12 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 WEMAGAZINE.CA

housing and permanent housing options using a “Housing are definitely needed for all our staff,” says YESS program The Housing IssueFirst” philosophy. manager Jeralee Konschuh, who also sits on the Alberta LGBTQ2S* Working Group. Chelle was the agency’s first “We’ve done an awesome job at tackling adult openly transgender resident, says Konschuh. “It createdhomelessness in our community, but there’s still a lot of a learning opportunity for staff, in terms of training andwork to be done in the youth sector,” says Leibel. (For its identity of youth.” YESS’s supervised dorms are nowpart, the Alberta government emphasizes “family-first” – gender-neutral.meaning family reunification.) Both YESS and E4C have policies or practices to address But with a homeless youth population pegged at 265 homophobia amongst residents, and have hired people likeby the City of Edmonton (and double that, by stakeholder Leibel for staff sensitivity training. As they retrofit theiragencies), SAFQEY can’t tackle this alone. The current buildings and policies for the growing number of queershelters are designed for the comfort of cisgender (those youth, they’re also supported by the National Learningwhose gender aligns with the one they were assigned at Community on Youth Homelessness LGBTQ2S Toolkit.birth), heterosexual homeless, not the reality of human Launched last spring, the website provides shelters withnature – which can be sexually fluid and ambiguous. Often template processing forms, signage, educational leaflets,organizations are intimidated by the “growing acronym” policy recommendations and training.that represents the populace, says David French, managerof Alberta Human Services’ homeless supports initiative. Speaking from experience, Chelle thinks the solutionTo uniformly tackle the complicated issue, in December starts in removing the emphasis on gender – oftentimes2014 the Province of Alberta formed Canada’s first ever the first question on process forms after one’s first and lastgovernmental working group on queer youth homelessness. name. “They’re in a service for homeless people, so they need to learn to deal with all types of people,” she says. “Traditionally, youth shelters are male and female,” saysFrench, who co-chaired the working group during Chelle has had her own apartment for two years now,its developmental stages and remains a member. “There’s thanks in part to financial support from the McMan Youththis understanding in the LGBTQ community that that’s Family and Youth Community Services Association, andhow shelters operate. So they’re thinking, ‘I’m probably hopes the next time she’s at a youth shelter will be as asafer in my community with my street family than I am sensitivity trainer. Now, with her geographical transitionin a youth shelter.’ ” finally stabilizing, she’s able to focus more on her physical transition and is exploring ways to cover the costs of her That is true of Chelle. She left her turbulent Medicine operations that health care won’t.Hat home at 17, but found the local youth shelter’s workersinsensitive to things cisgender people take for granted *WHAT’S IN AN ACRONYM?every day, like being called by their preferred pronounsand bunking with others of the same gender they identify While many will remember that up to a decade ago it waswith. Chelle felt safer on the streets, but had her eyes on common to only use the first three letters – lesbian, gay,Edmonton, where she arrived in May 2012, hoping to find bisexual – today it’s not uncommon for organizations likeacceptance and housing with a friend. SAFQEY to prefer LGBTQ2S, which stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirit. For more Overall, Chelle found a more liberal attitude in Edmonton information on these terms, visit lgbtqhealth.ca/community.but, two weeks after arriving, her roommate turned onher, physically assaulting and abandoning her in a field one FOR MORE INFORMATIONnight. She was homeless again, but in an unfamiliar city. To find out more about SAFQEY’s fundraising efforts The shelters were unprepared for her. One operated and to view the documentary For Want of a Home,by Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS) visit www.gofundme.com/FundSAFQEYwas lacking gender-neutral dorms at the time. “I was onhormones at the time, so I was developing breasts,” saysChelle. “It was incredibly awkward.” Some months later, atE4C’s shelter, the Inner City Housing Project, she foundsafety in gender-neutral beds and washrooms but enduredbullying from homophobic roommates. “More training about inclusive, non-judgmental practicesWEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 13

PROPERTY OWNERS: Greg and Emily Wolbeck (pictured here WEMAGAZINE.CA with their children, Brett and Miranda) purchased their first home with assistance from The Home Program.14 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016

The Housing Issue HSmouasrets Local program builds financial stability and a better future for people across the province By LISA CATTERALL Photography by EVAN MONTGOMERY AT AGE 22, EMILY WOLBECK WASN’T expecting to move into home owner- ship. As a recent university graduate, her sights were set on more modest goals: finding a job and beginning to pay down her student loans. “My then-boyfriend (now my husband) and I had just put ourselves through university, so we thought we’d never be able to afford to buy a house,” she says. “I don’t even know if we had $500 between the two of us.” It was a vulnerable time, she explains, and her level ofWEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 15

debt felt insurmountable. “You’ve got this debt that you feel purchased their first home. “The Home Program helped us discoveryou’re going to be paying out for the rest of your lives. Home that home ownership was a possibility,” says Wolbeck.ownership wasn’t on our radar at the time. I didn’t think it Developed in Edmonton in 2001, The Home Program was initiallywas even remotely possible.” created as an educational program for first-time, low-incomeThat all changed once she was introduced to The homebuyers. Now, thanks to assistance from groups like the AlbertaHome Program. She discovered the course as part of Real Estate Foundation, The Home Program has grown into a fullher job working with a local community group where support system for any buyer.her task was to educate others on finances and home “The important thing to note is that anyone can participate.ownership. The program seemed like it would be a Really, anyone can benefit from the course,” says Brian Finley,valuable resource for her program coordinator. “It’s free, andstudents but in order to The Home Program is about it’s open to everyone. You don’tcommunicate its true getting people into the best possible have to be a first-time homebuyer.value to them, she knew For all intents and purposes, weshe’d have to experience situation to reduce their debts teach people how to manage theirit first-hand. So she and succeed in the long term. finances, with the ultimate objectivesigned up and brought her – Blake Murdoch being home ownership.”boyfriend along with her. The Home Program provides an“They were like, ‘No, it educational component in the formdoesn’t have to be this way.’ It gave us a leg up. They make of a six-hour course, which is offered multiple times per year, asyou feel comfortable with the fact that people have been well as other supports including down payment assistance and one-here before you. You shouldn’t have fear. You should be on-one counselling for individuals looking to buy a home. Partnersgoal-oriented and they help you achieve your goals in such a in the program include the Alberta Real Estate Association’spositive way,” she says. Affordable Housing Initiative, Canada Mortgage and HousingFollowing the advice in the program, Emily and her Corporation, the Alberta Real Estate Foundation and Edmonton’shusband Greg began saving and, two years later, they Capital Region Housing Corporation.16 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 WEMAGAZINE.CA

Aside from one program administrator who works for the a house, it’s too early and they’re wasting everyone’s time,” The Housing IssueCapital Region Housing Corporation, The Home Program says Diana Riley, program administrator for The Homeis a volunteer-run organization, set up and maintained by Program. “But they’re not. We can give them tools and helpindividuals in the real estate industry, including realtors, to set them up to buy a home. If you come to us early, wemortgage brokers, lawyers, and home inspectors. can give you tools early on, and it may shave a year or two off of your plans.” “It’s an important service. The education and the downpayment assistance programs offered through The Home She emphasizes, however, that it’s a long-term process.Program make a huge difference for young people, or for “We have lots of people who took the program years agopeople facing financial difficulties,” says Blake Murdoch, and are just now buying their properties, so this is notan Edmonton-based Realtor who now volunteers with the just a quick fix; it’s ongoing.”program. “The Home Program is about getting people intothe best possible situation to reduce their debts and succeed The efforts are well worth it, and not only to thein the long term.” individuals. “There have been a number of studies out there that have shown that individuals who own their The Home Program recently partnered with United own homes are more vested in their communities,” saysWay through the Alberta Asset-Building Collaborative, Finley. “They become much more involved in what’s goingas part of the Empower U program. Empower U offers on in their community when they’re homeowners, whenwomen living in poverty in the Alberta Capital Region they live in that community.”financial education and savings assistance. Participantsare encouraged to plan for their future through a 1:2 Asset-building and financial literacy skills also makematched savings component, meaning that for every dollar people less vulnerable when the economy is in a downturn,saved, two dollars are made in matched contributions. and The Home Program continues to offer expertise andParticipants can use these savings towards purchasing guidance to clients as needed to meet any challenges theyassets that move them ahead financially such as education may face. “We don’t just give them the key to the house andfor themselves or their children, purchases that help them walk away. We stay in contact with our successes and theywith their employment, or home-based business. know they can call us if they have a problem,” says Finley. It’s part of a bigger effort to improve the financial Every year, interest in the program grows, a trend whichliteracy of low income residents in the Alberta Capital organizers hope will continue. But despite the growth, theyRegion and put support systems in place that promote are determined to offer the same high-quality, personalizedtheir long-term success. Programs like these are taking education to support each person’s home-buying goals.people out of the rental system and out of subsidizedhousing to a position of greater financial stability where “We started out with six people in the class in 2001.they can save money and build assets. Currently, we move through about 500 participants each year,” says Finley. “No matter what, our commitment is to When people are in a position where they don’t have work with people until they are homeowners, and we willenough income to afford a home or they have credit issues, provide as much one-on-one support as they need.”The Home Program works closely with them to addressthose challenges. “We’ll take care of the credit first,” explains For more information, call 780-504-6161Finley. “That may take six months to a year or at the longest or toll free at 1-877-504-6161 or visit the websiteit might take two years. And during that period of time, at www.TheHomeProgram.ca.we’re providing them with whatever connections andassistance we can to make sure that their income is moving BY THE NUMBERSforward and that they’re making smart decisions so thatwhen their income finally does get that number, they can 5,462 Session participants (total) move into home ownership.” 482 Session participants in 2015 234 Participating realtors Interestingly enough, that number is not as high as a lot of 1,283 Successes (homes purchased through the program) people think it is, he adds. “Generally speaking, we say that 99 Successes in 2015if your household income is around $40,000, you should 2,455 Active clients (actively looking for homes)seriously be looking at home ownership in the near future.” $1,925,241 Total down payment assistance since 2001 $204,000 Down payment assistance in 2015 “Lots of people think because they’re not in a place to buyWEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 17

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The Community Bridge program The Housing Issue works to prevent eviction and keepEVICTION PREVENTION: The Community Bridge people in their homesprogram tackles homelessness by reaching outto people who are at risk of eviction, says Gary St. by SYDNEE BRYANT Photography by JARED EVANSAmand, interim CEO of the Bissell Centre. D ESPITE HER BEST EFFORTS, LAST SEPTEMBER WEMAGAZINE.CA Cassandra found herself on the brink of eviction from the condo where she lives with her husband and 11-year-old. The 29-year-old Edmontonian, who asked that her last name not be used, is a full-time student working two jobs, but she couldn’t pay her rent or bills. “I couldn’t make enough to cover everything at once,” she explains. Cassandra, who attends CDI College, has trouble getting government assistance because she is currently classified as a full-time student. Her spouse, who has spent the last few years with medical issues and mental illness, currently does not work. Cassandra’s situation isn’t unique. With Edmonton’s rental prices 32 per cent higher than the average rent in Canada’s metro areas, falling behind on paying rent or bills is a grim reality for some people in our city. And, until recently, there weren’t any programs in Edmonton working to prevent homelessness rather than dealing with the problem once it occurs. The Community Bridge program at the Bissell Centre is the first program in the city to tackle the prevention side of things by helping people in dire situations stay in their current accommodations. The program, which started up in July 2014, helps to prevent eviction by focusing on two elements: money to cover rent and utilities, and working with recipients to ensure they don’t end up in the same situation a few months down the road. United Way of Alberta Capital Region helps fund the program along with many other partners, including the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Community Foundation, Stollery Charitable Foundation and a private donor. United Way contributed $75,000 and also sits on the funding committee. Cassandra found out about Community Bridge when her classmates at CDI College took it upon themselves to find a way to help the family from ending up on the streets. “We started calling anyone and everybody,” says Cassandra. “We got through to 311 [the city services line for the City of Edmonton] and they referred me to this program. I left a message and said, ‘I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m doing my best and it’s not good enough.’ ” WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 19

She soon received a call from Eli Schrader, director and However, two-thirds of the clients helped by the Community Bridge programteam lead for Community Bridge at the Bissell Centre. “He have annual incomes of less than $25,000.came to my school and did an interview and made sure The rules for the program are simple: there is no ceiling on the size of theeverything I was doing was true, that I was trying to do grant or loan; there are no rules about how often someone can access thethe best for my family,” explains Cassandra. “There are not program; paying the money back is requested but not enforced; recipientsenough hours in the day to work to get the money I need to aren’t required to participate in specific programs; and they must agree tocover everything. They paid my rent and utilities so follow-ups with workers from the Bissell Centre. “It’s really one of the keyI could focus on school and get back on top of everything.” things that we have focused on, with this: to minimize the amount of rules,The program was a “saving grace for my family,” says criteria and barriers. The more criteria you put in place, the more you sayCassandra. So far, since receiving the assistance from no to people,” explains St. Amand. “It comes down to – you’re at risk ofCommunity Bridge, she eviction. It is not focused on people whohas managed to pay her They don’t make you feel worse are chronically homeless. It is more gearedrent and bills on time. In than you already do because it’s a bad towards people who have been housed forthe spring, she’ll start a some period of time.”one-month practicum and situation already. They were very Staff follow up with people to inquirethen graduate from college supportive and uplifting. how they are doing in the months after theyand begin the search for a receive assistance. After the first year of thefull-time job as a paralegal. – Cassandra pilot program, out of 110 cases, only oneIn the meantime, she doesn’t client returned to the program for furtherhave any undue pressure to pay off the loan immediately, assistance. Cassandra got an uplifting follow-up call from someone askinglike she would have to for a traditional loan. The program how the family was doing. “She asked if I was doing OK and if I neededworks in a way that recipients are asked to pay the money anything at the moment,” says Cassandra. “They’re really, really nice people.back, if possible, but on a schedule that works for them. They don’t make you feel worse than you already do because it’s a bad“They ask you to pay it back but they don’t put any kind of situation already. They were very supportive and uplifting.”stress on you. Whatever you can pay back, they put back Cassandra is determined to only ask for as much assistance as necessaryinto the program. If you can’t pay it, you just call them,” to keep her family going while she finishes school. “We have a house, wesays Cassandra. have food on the table and we have each other. That’s enough. I don’t want toStatistics gathered by the program show that the number burden anyone,” she explains. “Right now, we’re OK. I don’t want to ask forone problem related to eviction is financial management, anything unless I really need it.”followed (in order of prevalence) by income, family issues,mental health, physical health, legal matters and substanceabuse. “The staff works with clients to identify core issues COMMUNITY BRIDGE STATSthat led to the situation happening,” explains Gary St.Amand, interim CEO of the Bissell Centre. Depending on JULY 2014 TO JUNE 30, 2015what the client’s main issues are, the Bissell Centre will refer • 110 cases served (266 people, nearly half were children).them to one of their partner agencies. In the first year of the • 73% of the primary client in each case was female.program, 65 per cent of clients were given funding to help • 35% of clients were aboriginal and 8% were immigrants/newcomers.them cover their costs of living, while the remaining 35 per • 58% of cases were families. Of these, 70% were single-parent families largely headedcent were helped through advocacy and systems navigation. by females.A large majority (73 per cent) of its primary clients are • Nearly two-thirds of cases had annual incomes below $25,000.female, and nearly half of the people helped by Community • 55% of cases have incomes from income security programs, while 27% hadBridge are families with children. Cassandra has now employment income.also applied for a subsidy for her rent through Capital • Bridge funding was provided in 65% of cases. Systems navigation and advocacyRegion Housing. The average two-bedroom apartment in addressed 35% of the remaining cases.Edmonton costs $1,250 a month, making it the fourth- • After three months, 85% of people were still housed.most expensive city in Canada in which to rent, following • Only one of the 110 returned for a second intervention from Community Bridge staff.Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto, respectively. In 2013, the • The average cost per case: $2,000. The cost per individual was $827.median income for a family in Edmonton was $98,480.20 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 WEMAGAZINE.CA

LiFting a Community up.Thank you For 125 yearsoF lending a hand.What’s at the top of your bucket list?Helping kids like Dang is on ours.Business, employee volunteers, charities, and community joininghands to make things better. This is the essence of EPCOR’s 125years of working within the community. And it includes developinga new education-focused model for partnerships based not only onfunding but on longer-term relationships, employee volunteerengagement, and career exposure to support future employabilityfor socially vulnerable youth.Something that Dang got a first taste of when BGCBigsand EPCOR launched a new three-year, $150,000 partnershipfor McCauley After School Club.Here’s to another 125 years of working togetherto make our communities shine.

In the most recent homeless count* FEMALE OTHER 2,307 people were experiencing homelessness 1% 27% 2012 2,174 2010 2,421 72% 2008 3,079 MALE RANGE OF AGES 25% decrease since 2008 15% 13% 7% 23% 25% 13% 4% 53% 47% YEARS UNDER 18 18-24 25-30 31-44 45-54 55-64 65+ ABORIGINAL At least 335 children under the age of 18 were without a home, an increase of 20% from 2012 Aboriginal people are 9 times more likely than the average population to be experiencing homelessness22 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 WEMAGAZINE.CA

31% SOURCES OF INCOME FOR THOSE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS 14% 26% NO INCOME Of those experiencing homelessness, EMPLOYMENT 25% YOUTH some are employed (27%), some ADULT are receiving assistance from the 25% OTHER provincial government (42%) and others reported having no income at all PROVINCIAL (16%). Many others receive a pension, GOVERNMENT panhandle, collect bottles or rely on family and friends. 27%Numbers do not add to 100%, as some individuals 26%have more than one source of income 45% 425UNSHELTERED PROVISIONALLY The Challenge 23 471ACCOMMODATED • Rental apartment vacancy in June 2015 was 2.4% in Edmonton and 1,411SHELTERED 2.9% nationallyWEMAGAZINE.CA • Rent for an average two-bedroom apartment was $1,250, a 4.4% increase over 2014 • As of November 2015, the median single family home sold for $438,935 and condo for $244,225 The Need • 1 in 10 households are paying too much for housing or living in inadequate conditions • Almost 8,000 households are on Capital Region Housing Corporation’s wait list, and they receive 250 new applications monthly Housing First The Housing First program, launched in 2009, has helped more than 3,300 people – including 900 children – to find homes in the last five years. These are mostly chronically homeless individuals or families with children. • Of those housed in 2014 through Housing First, 77% were housed outside of the inner city • 93% of people served through Housing First in 2014 have retained their home *2014 figures Sources: Homeward Trust, Homeless Commission WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016

HOUSE AND HOME: George Belcourt, pictured here with his wife Darilynand grandchildren Teagan and Tiana, was homeless for three yearsbefore getting help from the Nikinhk Aboriginal Housing First program.24 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 WEMAGAZINE.CA

CCUonLTnUecRtiAoLn The Housing Issue Culturally based programs offer Edmonton’s aboriginal homeless population healing and hope by JULIE-ANNE CLEYN Photography by DARRYL PROPP E VERY OTHER YEAR, HOMEWARD TRUST, A NOT-FOR-PROFIT organization that works to end homelessness in Edmonton, conducts an official count of the number of people who are homeless in the city. This Homeless Count provides a snapshot of this population at a given point, and also highlights trends and patterns over time. What often stands out in these tallies is the disproportionate number of aboriginal people among the homeless. In the 2014 count, 47 per cent of homeless individuals in Edmonton identified themselves as aboriginal. With the aboriginal population making up only five per cent of the population, that means aboriginal people in the city are nine times more likely than the overall population to be experiencing homelessness. It’s more than a statistic for people like George Belcourt, who was homeless for roughly three years and was separated from his children. He couldn’t find a home at the time because he had no credit and no job. He was also struggling with mental health and addiction issues. Today, however, Belcourt is living in a “nice townhome in a nice neighbourhood,” he says. His children are living with him again, as well as his wife, and it’s thanks to assistance from the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, a non-profit organization that provides programs and services to Edmonton’s aboriginal population.WEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 25

The root causes for aboriginal homelessness are many, and opposed to mainstream treatment services, especially when dealing withinclude displacement from traditional homelands, systematic addiction, have had more success.”racism, residential schools and the “Sixties Scoop” (a period The program provides support to those experiencing addiction, mentalof time between the 1960s and ’80s when thousands of health issues, lack of education and other barriers to stable housing andaboriginal children were placed with mostly non-native is funded through Homeward Trust.adoptive families). Lovette Ferguson, manager at Bent Employees with four different roles work within Nikihk AboriginalArrow, adds that “intergenerational trauma,” though it is not Housing First, says Ferguson. The housing outreach worker findsthe entire problem, created affordable housing. The follow-up supportsome very unhealthy cycles in The participants who utilize worker addresses the barriers that leadfamily members. the aboriginal culture families and individuals to the program, including legal issues, incarceration and The Bent Arrow as a form of healing as opposed abuse. The trauma support worker deals withTraditional Healing Society to mainstream treatment services, mental and physical health. And the culturalwas created in 1994, whenfounders Brad and Shauna especially when dealing with addiction, and spiritual educator provides individualsSeneca identified that have had more success. with access to supports and services thataboriginal children, youth allow them to connect to the aboriginaland their families needed – Lovette Ferguson culture, including introductions to elders,programming based in ceremonies and traditional practices.traditional indigenous values and teachings in order to The trauma support worker and the cultural and spiritual educatordevelop spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally. are two positions that aren’t typically found in Housing First programs,Belcourt received help through the society’s Nikihk says Ferguson. Their role is such that they go into the home and connectAboriginal Housing First program. “One of the program’s participants with mainstream and cultural services and also workstrengths is that it is really a culturally based program,” collaboratively to offer life skills training. They teach clients skills suchsays Ferguson, manager at Bent Arrow. “The participants as education and awareness on healthy boundaries: they identify thewho utilize the aboriginal culture as a form of healing as health of clients’ own boundaries and build a plan to create healthier26 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 WEMAGAZINE.CA

The Housing Issueones when necessary. The workers show them how to budget, and help outdoors, or in a homeless shelter, couchthem identify low cost or free resources available to them. The workers surfing or a combination of all three. Manyalso teach them about career planning, and educate them on the participants find out about Bent Arrowprograms available to them to achieve their career goals, whether it’s through word of mouth, and Nikihk usesgoing back to school or finding a job. This one- an assessment tool toon-one life skills training has received extremely The higher the need determine suitablepositive feedback from participants, says Ferguson. is what would get them candidates for the program. It asks them Nikihk is helping Belcourt with his mental into our program. about their currenthealth issues, too, and referred him to a drug andalcohol program. Ferguson says it’s the follow-up – Lovette Ferguson living situation, theirsupport worker who navigates participants towards barriers to stablethe treatment facility they want to pursue, noting housing and a varietythat it’s not a requirement that participants address their addiction. of other questions. “The higher the need isNikihk takes the harm reduction approach in some cases, so, “If a person what would get them into our program,”is not ready to give up using, for example, we would look at ways that says Ferguson.they can still do that safely, so it’s not at risk to them, or their home,” says When Nikihk has an influx of newFerguson. Belcourt, though, wanted to seek treatment for his drug and participants, they’ll host an orientation foralcohol abuse. them, where Belcourt now speaks about theAfter Nikihk addresses immediate needs and the client has benefits of the program. “It was one of themaintained stability for a certain period of time, Homeward Trust offers programs that Bent Arrow offers, and a lot ofadditional assistance, but it’s not long term. So, it is determined whether the clients don’t take advantage of it,” he says.employment can be achieved in a year, and how it can be reached. Bent Arrow offers a number of otherPrior to seeking the support of the staff at Nikihk, Ferguson says programs that address homelessness at aits homeless clients have usually been “sleeping rough,” which means frontline level in one form or another, saysWEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 27

Ferguson. For example, Ferguson was a successfulapplicant for the Urgent Family Initiative, whichsecures stable housing for families in a hotel. TheNew in Town Aboriginal Welcome Services allowsaboriginal people new to Edmonton to access supportsand services and get help finding housing. Journey toSuccess helps clients find and maintain employment.Orenda House is a transitional apartment complexfor young aboriginal families who are homeless orabout to become homeless. They can occupy the nine-suite apartment building for up to three years. Forfamilies that don’t qualify, for example for OrendaHouse, Ferguson says the staff will provide them withresources to try other programs, such as Housing First.The Bent Arrow staff often knows which HousingFirst programs have spots available, so they provideparticipants with that information. As of April 1, 2016, Bent Arrow will be starting athree-year employment initiative with United Wayfunding, called “Transitions to Success - Career andEmployment Support Program.” While they may seem like small efforts to address acomplex and systemic problem, for people like GeorgeBelcourt, getting off the streets and finding securehousing has proven to be an important first step inrebuilding his life. EDMONTON’S ABORIGINAL POPULATION BY THE NUMBERS • Edmonton’s aboriginal population totals 61,765, 5.4% of Edmonton’s • The post-secondary education attainment rate of aboriginal Source: Edmonton Vital Signs population. people is improving. In 2011, 52.3% of those 25 years and older • Edmonton has the second largest aboriginal population of any metro area had a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree, compared to in Canada after Winnipeg. It increased 1.4% over 10 years earlier, more 39.4% in 2001. than double the rate of increase in the overall population. According to a 2015 Leger Poll: • Edmonton’s aboriginal population is expected to increase by 89% by 2036 • More than 7 in 10 Edmontonians agree that poverty is more to 123,000. prevalent among the aboriginal population (78%), people of aboriginal origin are often subject to discrimination (76%) • The median age of aboriginal people in Edmonton in 2011 was 25.8 years, over 10 years younger than the 36.5 year age of the entire population. and that homelessness is more prevalent among the aboriginal population (72%). • 57.5% of aboriginal people are 29 years and younger, compared to 40.2% • Almost half (47%) of Edmontonians believe that the City of of the entire population. Edmonton should do more to support its aboriginal population. • 76.1% of aboriginal people lived in the same home as they did one year earlier, compared to 84.6% of all Edmontonians.28 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 WEMAGAZINE.CA

SPONSOR PROFILEBRIGHT FUTURE: EPCOR recently launched a $150,000 partnershipwith BGCBigs’ McCauley Club, making a difference in the lives ofchildren like eight-year-old Dang.LIFTING UP A COMMUNITY EPCOR celebrates 125 years of working together with local service organizations to help those in needRIDING HIGH IN A BUCKET TRUCK ABOVE GIOVANNI most,” says EPCOR president and CEO Stuart Lee. Caboto Park on a September evening in McCauley, That means raising nearly $5.5 million through EPCOR United eight-year-old Dang looked out with an infectious grin over a community that is working together to lift him up. Way campaigns since 1993. It means funding nearly $2 million in It was his first day at the Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers charitable programs through the EPCOR Community Essentials Big Sisters’ (BGCBigs) McCauley Afterschool Club. He and 20 Council (ECEC) since 2011, and investing approximately $1 other club kids arrived to the sight of a large EPCOR bucket million annually in communities EPCOR operates in. Working truck, dress-up station with coveralls and safety goggles, together, the future is bright. In 2015, the launch of a new ECEC boots and hard hats, a water lab complete with vials, test funding focus on educational supports for socially vulnerable tubes, and lab coats – and a group of 15 equally excited and youth was born not in a boardroom, but from community. eager EPCOR employees. Customer service consultant Claudia Odoardi-Sanchez was “The idea developed from many conversations with charities, one of them, dressed in EPCOR’s light-bulb mascot costume, business and community leaders that started with, ‘What can Flash. “The smiles on those faces … having a hand in bringing EPCOR bring to the table to make a bigger difference together?’ ” joy to a kid’s day is one of the most rewarding things I get to do.” says Lee. Business, employee volunteers, charities, and community joining hands to make things better. This snapshot in time What developed was a model for partnerships based not only captures the essence of EPCOR’s 125 years of working within on funding but on longer-term relationships, employee volunteer the community and the belief that great things are possible engagement, and career exposure to support future employability when working together. for those helped through the partnerships. “Over the span of 12 decades, EPCOR has had the privilege of growing with our city beyond just keeping the lights on and It was something Dang got a first taste of in the bucket truck the water flowing, but by supporting local organizations who that evening when BGCBigs and EPCOR launched a new three- are working tirelessly to give a hand up to those that need it the year $150,000 partnership for McCauley Club. “We may power our city, but kids like Dang – and the organizations like BGCBigs and United Way that support those in need – ignite the light in us,” says Lee. “Here’s to another 125 years of working together to make our communities shine.”WEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 29

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Better The Housing Issue Together Communities join together for a three- year campaign to house Canada’s most vulnerable, chronically homeless population by MICHELLE LINDSTROM Illustration by HEFF O’REILLEY LEARN FROM OTHERS AND BUILD OFF OF THEIR experiences. That’s a philosophy Tim Richter, president and CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH), took when applying an American-based campaign – 100,000 Homes Campaign by Community Solutions – to Canada. The 100,000 Homes Campaign ran from July 2010 to July 2014 and successfully housed more than 105,000 people with the help of roughly 175 participating communities across the United States. Already having homelessness top of mind, Richter applied similar concepts to Canada’s recently launched 20,000 Homes campaign, a national focus that currently has 21 Canadian communities participating to house 20,000 people across the country by July 1, 2018. Susan McGee, chief executive officer of Homeward Trust Edmonton, says, “20,000 Homes was launched by the CAEH after talking to leading communities nationally about itsWEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 31

potential ... and different communities are starting it at differenttimes with different processes.”McGee says Homeward Trust Edmonton was involved in thoseearly discussions and is very committed to support a national effort toend homelessness.Homeward Trust Edmonton is a non-profit organization, createdin 2008, that is working to end homelessness in the city. Stayingconnected with community resources, the organization respondsto the city’s housing needs by collaborating with local agencies,non-profits like United Way of the Alberta Capital Region and alllevels of government.In 2009, former mayor Stephen Mandel launched Edmonton’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, and since, the city has gained relateddata, provincial government funding, community connections andhousing solutions.Homeward Trust’s Housing First program was launched in April “The whole point of the registry event is to meet people2009 as part of the 10-year plan with the support of both municipal where they are in the community,” Emerson says, addingand provincial governments. The program finds safe, secure housing this enables volunteers and staff to connect with people whofor the homeless and also provides follow-up supports. When clients may not use community resources but still want and needare stabilized, support systems are reduced to eventually get them to housing services.a point of self-sufficiency. Part of Emerson’s role is to connect with communityDominique Emerson, Homeward Trust 20,000 Homes campaign agencies – Salvation Army, Kindred House and Edmontonproject manager, says, “Because we’re so far into our 10-year plan, Public Library’s Penny McKee/Abbottsfield branch, to namewe’re using the 20,000 Homes cam- a few – to use as headquarterspaign as a sprint to our finish line.” What I’m really hoping the campaign tells for Homeward Trust’s six- Emerson adds that the cam- us that we didn’t know before, is a little more week registry for the 20,000 about the chronically homeless population Homes campaign.paign also helps Homeward Trustremind community members that For the registry, her teamthere are still people out there in that lives outside the regular system who met people who were ex-desperate need of a home, and may not be using the drop-ins as much as periencing homelessness atagencies need help from Edmonto- others or going to shelter. “headquarter” agencies, askednians to house everyone. questions about their housing – Susan McGee, CEO, Homeward Trust Edmonton situation and then explained For Homeward Trust Edmonton,the 20,000 Homes campaign is what the 20,000 Homes cam-more of a registration process to identify those at the greatest risk of paign was about. If the person wanted to be registered, his orillness or death due to homelessness. “In terms of starting the [20,000 her name was taken down, a photo taken (if willing), and he orHomes campaign], we haven’t stopped or slowed down our housingactivities at all,” says McGee. she was added to the list. She says Homeward Trust is trying to reinforce the things that “We’re trying to work off one list [in Edmonton] as opposed to agencies all having their own prioritization list,” Emersonmade its Housing First program so successful in the first place says. “We don’t call it a waiting list because we operate from abecause the 20,000 Homes campaign requires the same things: prioritization standpoint and we’re all trying to work togetherinclusive communities and welcoming people. “Once people are to build this one prioritization list that we call a registry.”housed, they are no longer homeless,” she says. “They’re just like any Mid-December 2015 was the estimated end date for collect-other Albertan or Edmontonian who needs to be welcomed into ing names to add to Edmonton’s registry. Emerson explainstheir community and we’re looking for ways that Edmontonians can that a definite date is hard to set due to everyone learning insupport that.” real time what the full scope of Edmonton’s homeless popula-32 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 WEMAGAZINE.CA

CORE ELEMENTS The Housing Issuetion looks like. They will still register people after this point, There are six core elements of the 20,000 Homes campaign: Source: www.20khomes.cabut they wanted a point where they could regroup, look at the 1. Knowing every homeless person by name and understandinglist and report back to the community what they had found. each person’s needs and preferences. 2. Implementing Housing First in a way that makes sense for As of the end of November 2015, with two more registry each community.events to take place, 297 homeless Edmontonians were regis- 3. Using data to track progress and to make decisions totered and 24 were assigned to Housing First teams. improve a community’s homeless programs and the system as a whole. “What I’m really hoping the campaign tells us that we didn’t 4. Improving housing placement and working toward buildingknow before, is a little more about the chronically homeless a coordinated local homelessness system of care focused onpopulation that lives outside the regular system who may ending homelessness.not be using the drop-ins as much as others or going to 5. Learning from other communities across Canada.shelters,” McGee says. “We have such an unknown until 6. Providing a united voice at a national and provincial level towe finish the registry.” secure the housing and resources necessary to end homeless- ness in Canada. Previous data collected – roughly 20,000 homeless peoplein Canada and over 2,000 in Edmonton – often left out those GUIDING PRINCIPLESwho didn’t want to be counted, McGee explains. “The real valuein that data is in comparing one count over the last count,” she Each participating community can approach processes insays. “So it’s about a trend.” its own way, but the national campaign focuses on six key principles: McGee says staff, volunteers and partners are open to what 1. HOUSING FIRST: Permanent, safe, appropriate and afford-the registry tells them. “If it tells us that there are 200 individ- able housing with the support necessary to sustain it happensuals, and we know who they are and we can address their needs first and fast. We believe housing is a right for all Canadians.and house them in a year, that’s one thing,” she says. “If it tells 2. KNOWING WHO’S OUT THERE: Every person is known byus that there are several hundred thousand and their needs are name because someone deliberately went out onto the streets,so complex that the type of case management approach of the into shelters and wherever necessary to find them, assess theirHousing First program isn’t sufficient to meet their medical, needs and meet them where they are.physical and mental health needs, then we need to get our act 3. TRACKING OUR PROGRESS: Local teams and the nationaltogether and address their needs.” campaign will use regularly collected, person-specific data to accurately track progress towards the goal. We will be “I’m so proud of what Edmonton and Alberta has done, but we transparent in our progress through good times and bad.have to be so disciplined to not make it just a program,” McGee 4. IMPROVING LOCAL SYSTEMS: We will seek to buildsays. “The 20,000 Homes campaign is about reminding us all coordinated housing and support systems that are simple tocollectively that we have an urgency and timeliness associated navigate, while targeting resources quickly and efficiently towith this work and, frankly, when we don’t do it, people die.” the people who need it the most. 5. RESOLUTELY FOCUSED ON OUR MISSION: We are not interested in who gets credit or who gets blame. We are only interested in achieving our objective and ending homelessness. 6. TAKING ACTION: We favour action over perfection and will find a way to meet our objectives, despite the challenges that will come.WEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 33

NEW BEGINNINGS: The Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomersis helping people like Mohamad Mawed and his extended family toadjust to a new life in Canada.34 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 WEMAGAZINE.CA

The Housing Issue Housing shortages are only one of many issues facing immigrants and refugees by CAROLINE BARLOTT Photography by COOPER + O’HARA F OR MONTHS, IMAGES AND STORIES OF REFUGEES WHO HAVE fled their homes have dominated news coverage. Millions of people have been displaced from cities in Syria as well as many other countries due to conflict in their homeland, with some finding temporary refuge in outlying areas – Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan – and others taking dangerous journeys further afield, hoping for a chance to rebuild their lives in another part of the world. For its part, Canada has promised to accept 25,000 newcomers from Syria, with close to 1,500 arriving in Edmonton by February 2016. Before they find a permanent spot, refugees are in a type of limbo without a home, work, education or guaranteed safety, says Mohamad Mawed, whose extended family is among those who fled the country. In 2012, Mawed himself immigrated to Canada after working in the tourism and travel industry, initially in Syria and later the United Arab Emirates. He came to Canada with the hopes that members of his family still in Syria would be able to leave behind the violence of their home country. And in June of this year, Mawed’s brother and his sister-in-law, Ahmed Maouaed and Hyat Almawed, along with their four children, were accepted into Canada as refugees. After fleeing their Syrian city, they had been living with family in Lebanon without permanent citizen- ship, the opportunity to work legally, or schooling for their 14-year- old daughter.WEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 35

It had been two and a half years since they had a place to HOUSING IS OFTEN THE MOST IMMEDIATE AND PRESSINGcall their own. “We can now build our future and go back to matter to secure for newcomers. For Maouaed and Almawed, having aour normal lives, which we lost due to lack of safety before new home right away upon coming to Canada meant they could startwe arrived to Canada,” wrote Maouaed and Almawed via building their lives rather than worrying about the basics. The Islamicemail. The family was privately sponsored, and prior to Family and Social Services Association along with the Mennonite Centraltheir arrival, Mawed found them a safe, new home. Committee Alberta acted as the family’s private sponsors, securing permanent residency – and providing any help needed with settlement.BUT THE ADJUSTMENT TO A NEW LIFE IN But it’s not always as easy as simply signing a lease, says Suzanne Grossa different country – with a different language, culture of EMCN. It’s a challenge for organizations and sponsors to find affordableand way of life – can often housing. While some immigrants have thebe overwhelming for new We can now build our future means to afford market prices, there areimmigrants and refugees. and go back to our normal lives, many who need lower income options.That’s where organizations which we lost due to lack of safetylike the Edmonton Mennonite Many refugees, for example, may have made a good living in their home country,Centre for Newcomers before we arrived to Canada. but are impoverished from living in(EMCN) come in. – Ahmed Maouaed and Hyat Almawed desperate situations without the means to EMCN helped Mawed legally work. For these newcomers, thereupdate his resumé, develop are two options: private sponsorship,excellent English skills and secure his official papers. They where individuals and organizations provide the funds for refugees’ livinghelped him make connections in the community and to expenses, and government assistance through Catholic Social Services,understand Canadian culture, which he says has been which has the federal contract to settle refugees in Edmonton.incredibly helpful. Meanwhile, his extended family is While EMCN is able to help many families like Mawed’s, unfortunatelytaking English classes through EMCN, which also helped many newcomers are still at risk for homelessness. Capital Regionthem find jobs and enroll their young daughter in school. Housing operates and administers social housing but the demand is greatTheir adult sons are looking to upgrade their education, and affordable options are slim.which they hope will lead to better jobs. Rent has increased in recent years, and government allowances, whichEMCN assists up to 15,000 immigrants and refugees are given to refugees for their first year of residence, do not generally coverannually with many aspects of their new lives, including both food and rent, says Gross. While private sponsors can top up theirsettlement and securing a new home, language acquisition, funding, those with government assistance can face financial struggles. Ascounselling and employment. The organization’s south side a result, there can be emergency situations with some newcomers facinglocation supports many professionally skilled immigrants eviction. In these cases, EMCN can refer newcomers to other programs.while the north location assists many refugees – over 50 Sometimes, temporary housing is a short-term solution to highper cent – coming from places such as Syria, Iraq, the demands. But challenges can arise in these situations as well. GrossCongo and Ethiopia. recalls a refugee family, for example, that had to be put into substandardMany newcomers held highly skilled lines of work in housing because nothing else was available at the time. Children’stheir home countries, and the centre helps to apply those Services became involved – a sad situation given that the parentsskills to a Canadian context. For example, there is an had little choice. Now, the family is in Capital Regional Housing andEngineering Technologist Integration Program and an everything worked out. But the story illustrates the severe problems thatAccounting Bridging Program which helps participants – can result from lack of proper housing. “It’s not just having a roof; it’sto date over 1,300 – upgrade computer and English skills having good housing,” says Gross.so they can continue pursuing their careers.Since many newcomers, particularly refugees, came ANOTHER EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ASPECT OF EMCN’Sfrom very difficult circumstances, and may experience mandate, says Gross, is ensuring communities respect newcomers andpost-traumatic stress, EMCN offers specialized appreciate the value they’ve been bringing to the country for decades.counselling. There are also many programs for connecting When certain events happen in the world – the November 15, 2015,members of the community, and EMCN has a van that Paris terrorist attacks are a prime example – Gross says there are twoit can use to pick up individuals to ensure those without types of responses. There are plenty of people who feel sympathy fortransportation options can attend. those who are fleeing those types of attacks, and there are people whose36 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 WEMAGAZINE.CA

fear can turn to prejudice. That prejudice can result in fear WELCOMING REFUGEES The Housing Issueof newcomers, and the newcomers are impacted by it. AS OF EARLY JANUARY, 104 GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED “They’re fearful that they’ll be treated badly just Syrian refugees had arrived in the city on commercial planesbecause they have an Arabic accent or are wearing a hijab. from Toronto and Montreal. “We are expecting to see about 800I think it’s our job to stand up when we see that happening. government-sponsored refugees by the beginning of March,” saysIn our agency, where no prejudice exists, they smile, they Catholic Social Services (CSS) spokesperson Michael Di Massa.greet, and they play their community-building role freely.And it breaks my heart when they’re afraid to do that out Once they arrive, they are greeted by an airport receptionin the community,” says Gross. settlement counsellor and taken to a temporary housing facility in Edmonton (Reception House or a local hotel), where they She remembers one immigrant family had their heat spend two weeks getting oriented to life in Edmonton. Thatseverely restricted in the winter by the landlord, and their includes learning basic English, how to use Edmonton transit,mail opened and thrown down the stairs. That family was health screening, filling out various forms and help with securingable to thrive despite the struggles, working and saving permanent rental housing, among other things.enough money to put a down payment on their own house.But the fact that the prejudice exists saddens Gross. Once newcomers find homes, continued support is provided: assistance with school registration, language testing, helping “I do see glimmers of hope,” says Gross, citing a to find a family doctor, connecting to employment services andpartnership between EMCN and Inner City Housing. other community supports as needed.There is a church with a shrinking congregation in thecity that has decided to use some of its property to build CSS has set up a registry for people who are interested inseveral large family units for use by immigrants and renting out a living space for refugees:refugees. “So, there’s goodwill out there but it needs to be www.catholicsocialservices.ab.carecognized and celebrated.” UNITED WAY AND PARTNER AGENCIES PROVIDE A NUMBER OF In November, another example of goodwill came in the supports including ESL training, job and vocational training,form of an unexpected donation to EMCN. They’d set up a financial literacy training, school supplies for children, warmfund with a goal of raising $10,000 over two months with winter clothing, mentors, permanent housing, food security,the money going towards supporting Syrian refugees. They and counselling.reached their goal earlier than expected when Andrew Some of these include:Ference, a member of the Edmonton Oilers hockey team,donated the full amount. • Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers - settlement, This type of support is extremely meaningful to families ESL, food security, housing, job skills and job placementlike Mawed’s who are now able to put down roots, and (For more information, visit emcn.ab.ca)start rebuilding their lives again. “We want to participateto help build Canada and live in peace. Canada is known • 211 – Information and referral line (can translate to Arabicfor its respect of human rights, equality and social justice,”said Maouaed and Almawed. for newcomers) “But it will take time. After they improve their English, • Regional food banksthey can improve their study. They also need to learn about • Project Adult Literacy Society - (ESL)life in Canada, and how the system works. Each step will • Canadian Mental Health Agency/The Support Network – Crisishelp them get their lives back to normal,” says Mawed. Intervention Services Having a safe place to stay and supports fromorganizations including EMCN has made for a much easier • The Family Centre – Interpreter Servicestransition. But Mawed recognizes there are still many • E4C School Lunch Programpeople in need including many family members, friends • BGCBigs – mentoring and before/after school programmingand neighbours. His sister’s family recently arrived in • Regional Boys and Girls Clubs – before/after school programmingGermany after an extremely dangerous 25-day trek from • YMCA – family support and programming, buildingSyria. He’s hopeful that their applications will be acceptedand they will be able to find a safe haven in Edmonton like community connectionshis brother’s family. • United Way’s Tools for School and Coats for Kids & Families WEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 37

SPONSOR PROFILEA PLACE TO CALL HOMEBrookfield Residential thinks all Albertans deserve a safe place to liveWHEN MEMBERS OF BROOKFIELD RESIDENTIAL’S With a shortage of affordable housing across Alberta, Brookfield donation committee sat down to discuss the company’s Residential has established this as a company goal. “This is a complex philanthropic opportunities, they knew that supporting a issue that’s about more than making ends meet. At Brookfield strong, protected community, where everyone can feel the comfort of Residential we know that lack of shelter is a major problem that often home, was a key part of their mandate. leads to lack of independence, lack of stability and subsequent further ”Contributing to breaking the cycle of poverty is a collective poverty. Because Brookfield Residential is in the homebuilding responsibility,” says Scott Janis, president at Brookfield Residential in industry, we are committed to helping people find a place to call Edmonton. This is why the company is proud to support United Way. home, a place where they’re safe, where they can belong.” “As a land developer and homebuilder, we know that we need to work towards giving all Albertans an opportunity to have a roof “We want our dollars and cents to go where it is needed the most, over their heads,” says Richard Westren, senior vice-president at and we’ll rely on United Way for that direction,” says Janis. “United Brookfield Residential. Way supports numerous programs, and we want to support the community around us.”38 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 WEMAGAZINE.CA

Though Brookfield Residential has properties across North Janis agrees: “United Way is a widespread organizationAmerica, it continues to focus on helping people in each of its that touches multiple avenues, which resonates with us andlocal communities connect with opportunity. “It’s what we do our team members.” United Way’s support of many differentas a business every day,” says Westren, “helping people find community partners means that Brookfield Residential’stheir own place to live, work, play and put down roots.” donation is heading to on-the-ground organizations that need it most. “Social inclusion is really important and ties into community;United Way aligns with what we stand for,” says Charlene One measure of a community is how well it takes care of itsBarrett, senior manager of marketing and communications most vulnerable people, says Westren, and that’s somethingat Brookfield Residential in Edmonton. “We are really excited that Brookfield Residential is committed to – the companyabout the opportunity to be able to provide financial support has supported youth empowerment projects and socialto United Way because it helps support what we hold near and services organizations in the Edmonton area such as Habitatdear to our hearts in building a better community.” for Humanity, Edmonton Catholic Social Services and the Kids Kottage Foundation. While Brookfield Residential’s commitment is financialfor the time being, the company hopes to expand beyond “We’re committed to making the cities we operate in athat in the future. “This gives us an opportunity for starting better place to live, work and raise a family,” says Janis.out, and we look forward to growing in a number of ways,” “Poverty is a big issue to overcome, so helping providesays Westren. “Our employees find this cause close to them, shelter is important to us.” In its pledge to make Alberta aand we know we can create opportunities for them to get better place to live, work and play, Brookfield Residential isinvolved,” Barrett adds. reaching out to the community – one home at a time.WEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 39

BUSINESS WAY by ERIN MCCARTYTurning aNew PagePCL Construction donates personalcare items to Homeless Connect aspart of a record-breaking campaign EVEN IN TIMES OF ECONOMIC What they accomplished this year communities where we live and work, and uncertainty, companies are stepping for- was truly remarkable. “When you factor United Way is all about that.” ward and providing community support in that each kit had around 10 different in unprecedented ways. This couldn’t ring items in it … we’re talking around 30,000 In addition to its annual two-week more true for PCL and its employees, items were collected, organized, packaged United Way campaign, PCL has launched who collected items for a total of 2,400 and then delivered,” says Sheldon Smart, a separate donation challenge every year personal care kits for Homeless Connect the United Way campaign manager who since 2012. These have included Coats for as part of a donation challenge during its worked with PCL this year. “That’s pretty Kids & Families, collecting for Edmonton’s United Way campaign this past October. extraordinary.” PCL employees not only Food Bank, and last year’s book drive, which donated the necessary contents, including brought in over 10,000 books for children in Homeless Connect is an initiative items such as socks, toothbrushes and our community. Chorney explains that these that provides free services to people deodorant, but also volunteered to help are ways to focus on more than just dollars experiencing homelessness or at risk hand out the kits at the event. and make a real impact in people’s lives. of becoming homeless. Since 2008, two events have been hosted per year, What is perhaps even more profound “It’s something we can put our hands where sponsors including United Way, is the 73 per cent participation rate from on and we can see and you can touch and service providers and volunteers gather PCL employees. Supporting the com- you know people are going to immediately at the Shaw Conference Centre to offer a munity is inherent in company culture; benefit from those kinds of things. That’s a helping hand. it’s built right into PCL’s operation under great part of our campaign that’s evolved its corporate social responsibility pillar, over the past few years,” he says. Every year, PCL’s United Way committee says Smart. Engagement from CEO Paul picks a theme for its donation campaign. Douglas is also a driving force. Douglas Smart says this year’s overall campaign For 2015, it chose “Everyone Has a Story.” sends a personal message of encourage- was the largest to date – raising a record $3 ment and support to staff on the day the million – since the partnership between PCL “The more we understand about what campaign launches each year. This year, and United Way began in 1969. “The fact people are going through, the more he sent out a video sharing his reasons that they achieved their biggest and best we can help them with their stories, or for supporting United Way, says Chorney, campaign ever in our history in this window to turn a new page in their book, or to who has worked at PCL since 1996. While of time is a story that we are going to be make that story a better story for the this is only Chorney’s second year as part able to tell and inspire.” upcoming year,” says Travis Chorney, PCL of the United Way campaign committee vice-president and general manager, and and his first as a chair, he has seen The strong working partnership with this year’s United Way campaign chair. many successful campaigns and is really United Way also contributed to the touched by employees’ generosity. success of the campaign. “Sheldon and In keeping with this spirit, committee United Way supported us throughout the members Holly Fedderly and Michelle “Part of PCL’s genetic code is having campaign and in numerous capacities, Tatchell brought forward the idea to do- a philanthropic spirit about us,” he says. so there was a really good collaboration nate to Homeless Connect. The committee “Some of our great leaders certainly between our organizations. To me, that’s thought this was a tangible way to support understood about giving back to the the model of how we need to continue to the community while helping people turn a work together and build on every year to new page in their lives. help people,” says Chorney.40 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 WEMAGAZINE.CA

LEADING EDGEOn the LineCMHA Edmonton Region and The Support Network cometogether to save a vital community resourceby DAVID DICENZOTHERE ARE TIMES WHEN A VOICE to look and feel the same,” says Challborn. Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) provideon the other end of a telephone can make “Every phone number is the same; [the the tools to help.all the difference. For Edmontonians in clients] work with the same staff and go tocrisis, the Distress Line has provided the same places.” Challborn says that 15 more housingthat necessary comfort. It has been an units for the mentally ill were addedinvaluable local resource in the community “From a governance perspective, two in August, bringing that total to 146 infor more than 40 years. But just a year outgoing board members for TSN have Edmonton. The goal, she says, is to ensureago, funding challenges left the future of joined the CMHA board and two others there is never a waiting list.the service in doubt. have joined standing committees. A lot of history has come to us. There is a real “Prior to the integration, both organi- Ione Challborn, executive director of desire to work towards a common mission.” zations would have been looking ahead inthe Canadian Mental Health Association terms of three to five year plans and how(CMHA), Edmonton Region, had an idea. On Through alignment, the CMHA’s capacity to both anticipate community needs andJanuary 9, 2015, Challborn met with Nancy to intervene and provide support for those respond to them,” says Challborn, usingMcCalder, who at the time was close to at risk of suicide or who are dealing with the example of Syrian refugees. “That’s notretiring from her role as executive director a mental health issue has increased. The changing.”of The Support Network (TSN), which ran Distress Line is available 24 hours a day,the telephone service. The subject matter and peer support groups remain an integral Instead, the amalgamation has providedwas simple – Challborn wanted to know part of the services. strength.if McCalder thought that amalgamatingCMHA and TSN was a good plan. Another priority is expanding the volun- “I couldn’t be more excited and I know teer base for the Distress Line. Challborn that Nancy feels the same way,” says “Nancy said yes,” Challborn recalls. wants a stable, diverse core, be it students Challborn. “It was a very intense experi- The idea, which would save the Distress looking to kick-start careers or those with ence. There is a good spirit and energyLine, was widely welcomed. Without any varying ethnic backgrounds who can offer among everyone.action by June 30, 2015, that service experience and mentorship.would have no longer been able to operate “I really take my hat off to Nancy and her24 hours per day. The line receives 1,500 On the prevention and education side, colleagues at TSN because they had thecalls a month, 500 of which involve an the CMHA’s 211 telephone line provides vision. They had to have a lot of trust andimmediate crisis – so Challborn knew it was information on community resources, confidence in CMHA. I feel a tremendousessential that something be done. And her while its courses such as Applied Suicide responsibility to safeguard what they’veidea to put all of the services under the entrusted us.”CMHA banner was the answer. The partnership went live on November1, 2015, and the transition has essentiallybeen seamless. “The first goal we had was that from theclient’s perspective, we wanted everythingWEMAGAZINE.CA WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 41

MILESTONESEngineered to GiveCelebrating 10 years of the Engineering Challengeby KIM TANNAS ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2015, MORE Stantec Consulting. Over the decade it has part of the group that turns it into reality than 70 volunteers from 18 engineering firms involved a total of 21 engineering firms, is incredibly satisfying and motivating.” gathered at Northstar Apartments, a transi- 6,500 volunteer hours and raised $11.6 tional housing complex partially funded by million for United Way. It was clear that residents appreciated Boyle Street Community Services, in order to the generosity – from the children who transform an empty courtyard into a vibrant At the 2015 event, engineering com- had their faces pressed up against community space for its residents. Northstar panies built and installed a playground the windows as they watched the is a 62-unit apartment building that houses to provide a safe place for the residents’ playground taking shape, to one of low-income individuals and families, some of children to play, rebuilt a wooden deck, the residents who found it “difficult to whom were previously homeless. installed picnic tables to provide a space for comprehend … that this group of people community functions, and built cold frame were doing something specifically to The efforts were part of the annual boxes and raised garden boxes so residents help him and his fellow residents.” Engineering Day of Caring in partnership could start to grow some of their own food. with United Way, an event in which “It also speaks to us on a personal and volunteers from local engineering firms Residents got directly involved in the an emotional level, being able to help the work together to complete a large-scale project as well, which included hosting a residents in our community by getting community project in a single day, with all barbecue for the volunteers. As a result, out of our desks and going and having a costs of materials and labour covered by the explains Wengreniuk, residents “felt like direct impact on a group of people who firms themselves. they were contributing to the project in a appreciate that,” says Wengreniuk. direct way and we were able to interact It was an economically challenging year with the people who were receiving the 2015 PARTICIPATING for the engineering sector but in a true benefit of our efforts and able to make COMPANIES testament to their generosity and commit- that very strong personal connection and ment to the community, this was one of see that impact first-hand.” Residents • AECOM, APEGA, Associated Engineering, their most ambitious projects to date and in also approached local businesses to help Bantrel, C-Fer, CoSyn, Enbridge, Fluor, ISL fact saw the largest turnout of volunteers donate some of the supplies, which gave Engineering, Jacobs, JV Driver Projects, in the history of the event. them an opportunity to connect with Magna IV Engineering, ONEC Engineering, their community, he adds. Stantec, Tetra Tech, Thurber Engineering, “That really captures the essence of what Williams Engineering, Worley Parsons the Engineering Day of Caring is,” says Greg “It was an amazing day,” says Wengre- Wengreniuk, managing senior principal at niuk. “The impact of seeing a project built, Stantec Consulting, who was involved in both of physically being there and being just one the planning and execution of the event. “It’s a group of companies putting aside all of their competitive differences, putting aside all of their daily distractions and focusing on something that just makes them feel good and makes a difference in our community.” It was a fitting way to mark the 10-year anniversary of the event, which started in 2006 with three companies: Colt Engineering, CoSyn Technology and42 WE • WINTER/SPRING • 2016 WEMAGAZINE.CA

Giving families a place to put down roots in Alberta for 57 years.LiveBrookfield.com

CAN YOU MAKE THE MONTH? Make the Month is an interactive digital poverty simulation that enables people in the Alberta Capital Region to experience living at or below the poverty line and face decisions that will either make or break the month. This interactive experience shows the realities of surviving day-to-day, paycheque-to-paycheque and the impact that has on your overall well-being. “The concern over low-income individuals and families is understandable. These are hardworking people struggling to meet their basic needs – from paying rent to putting food on the table. Make the Month is a tool that gives us insight into the barriers to success for these low-income Canadians.” – Todd Hirsch, Chief Economist of ATB FinancialVisit makethemonth.ca to experience what it’s like to live in poverty in our city.