Aboriginal Homelessness in Edmonton FINAL FINAL

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The Planning & The Planning & Implementation “Think Implementation “Think

Tank”Tank”on Homefulness/on Homefulness/

HousingHousing

Edmonton, Alberta March 27, 2000

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Agenda• Aboriginal Housing Forum Interim Report Summary

• Native Counselling Report Summary on Issues, Capacity Building & Results

• Statistical Profile of Homeless in Edmonton

• Funding Allocations• Proposed Aboriginal Homelessness Committees & Executive Council Development

• Proposed Development– Phase 1 (Aboriginal Committee Development)– Phase 2 (Planning & Design)– Phase 3 (Test Trials/Rework & Implementation)

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Current Statistics (Nov.1999)

A Count of Homeless Persons in the City of Edmonton

Total Count; n = 1114

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Absolute H om eless Sheltered H om eles

Absolute H om elessSheltered H om eles

% of Total

611503

4

0102030405060708090

Single W ith Fam ilies

SingleW ith Fam ilies

% of Total

923

191



Total Count; n = 1114: Single Person VS With Families

5

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Absolutely H om eless Sheltered H om eless

Absolutely H om elessSheltered H om eless

490 433% of Total



Single Person Count; n = 923: Absolute Homeless VS Sheltered Homeless

6

010203040506070


Absolutely H om elessSheltered H om eless

40families

24families

% of Total# of Families


A Count of Homeless Persons in the City of EdmontonFamily Count; n = 64 Families;

with 111 children under 15 yrs.: Absolute Homeless VS Sheltered Homeless

7

010203040506070

M en W omen G ender Unaccounted

644

4

% of Total


A Count of Homeless Persons in the City of EdmontonTotal Count; n = 1114;

Gender

271

8

01020304050

60

Absolutely Homeless Sheltered Homeless

332

4

% of Male Total


A Count of Homeless Persons in the City of EdmontonMale Count; n = 644

271

312

9

01020304050

60

Absolutely Homeless Sheltered Homeless

128

% of Female Total


A Count of Homeless Persons in the City of EdmontonFemale Count; n = 271

271

143

10

0

10

20

30

40

M aleAbsolutelyH om eless

Fem aleAbsolutelyH om eless

M aleShelteredH om eless

Fem aleShelteredH om eless

% of Total


A Count of Homeless Persons in the City of EdmontonGender X Type of Homelessness; Total n = 1110*(*minus 4 Gender unspecified who had been counted as Absolutely Homeless)

332

312

128

143

11


A Count of Homeless Persons in the City of Edmonton Observed Age; n = *1044 (*70 cases missing from

Total; no explanation given)

01020304050607080

Children Youth Adult Senior

% of *Total(as above)

313

111

86

807

42

12


A Count of Homeless Persons in the City of Edmonton Children X Type of Homelessness; n =

*111 (Under 15 years)

010203040506070


% of *Children(Under 15 yrs)

31368

43

13


A Count of Homeless Persons in the City of Edmonton Youth X Type of Homelessness; n = *86

(15-19 years)

010203040506070


% of *Youth15-19 Years

68

34

52

14


A Count of Homeless Persons in the City of Edmonton Adult X Type of Homelessness; n =

*807

0

10

20

30

40

50

60


% of *Adult

408 39

9

15


A Count of Homeless Persons in the City of Edmonton Senior X Type of Homelessness; n =

*42

01020304050607080


% of *Seniors

33

9

16


A Count of Homeless Persons in the City of Edmonton Observed Race Count; n = *906 (*Children

were removed from sample)**NOTE: 3 entire shelters did not report observed race, therefore all

172 were recorded as “OTHER” -- which would account for the current lower estimate of homeless Aboriginal people in Edmonton

as of Nov. 99 (i.e. 35%) than experienced in Canada Nation-wide (40%+).

0

10

20

30

40

Aboriginal Caucasian O ther

% of Total

313421

**172

17010203040506070

Aboriginal Absolutely Homeless Aboriginal Sheltered Homeless

% of AboriginalTotal


A Count of Homeless Persons in the City of Edmonton Aboriginal Persons X Type of Homelessness; Count; n = *313(*Children were removed from sample)**NOTE: 3 entire shelters did not report observed race,

therefore all 172 were recorded as “OTHER” -- which would account for the current lower estimate of homeless Aboriginal people in Edmonton as of Nov. 99 (i.e. 35%) than experienced in Canada

Nation-wide (40%+).Absolutely Homeless

Sheltered Homeless

Aboriginal

239

74

18010203040506070

Caucasion Absolutely Homeless Caucasion Sheltered Homeless

% of CaucasianTotal

Absolutely Homeless

Sheltered Homeless

Caucasian


A Count of Homeless Persons in the City of Edmonton Caucasian Persons X Type of Homelessness; Count; n = *421(*Children were removed from sample)**NOTE: 3 entire shelters did not report observed race,

therefore all 172 were recorded as “OTHER” -- which would account for the current lower estimate of homeless Aboriginal people in Edmonton as of Nov. 99 (i.e. 35%) than experienced in Canada

Nation-wide (40%+).

165

256

1901020304050607080

Other Absolutely Homeless Other Sheltered Homeless

% of OtherTotal

Absolutely Homeless

Sheltered Homeless

Other


A Count of Homeless Persons in the City of Edmonton Other Persons X Type of Homelessness; Count; n = *172

(*Children were removed from sample)**NOTE: 3 entire shelters did not report observed race, therefore all 172 were recorded as “OTHER” -- which would account for the current lower estimate

of homeless Aboriginal people in Edmonton as of Nov. 99 (i.e. 35%) than experienced in Canada Nation-wide (40%+).

42

130

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What we don’t know We don’t have a true demographic profile of homeless Aboriginal people in Edmonton; not by:

• age, sex, place of origin, Status, single/from families, on-off reserve, nationality,

• language, literacy, work experience, length of time in Edmonton, health conditions, short/long term problem,

• whether Aboriginal people are “turned away” more often – implying other social issues/ alcoholism / drug abuse / mental disorders . . . Crisis precipitated, etc.

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So, the question is . . .

Are we willing to set aside our differences to work toward this

common problem ? . . . Our people need our

help.. . . Let’s work

together to solve the problem and change

their lives!

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Current Perspectives

•Federal•Provincial•Municipal•Aboriginal

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Focus of Federal Sub-Committee Activities

• Volunteerism: – volunteering time, resources and expertise will enable all federal employees to contribute to the federal response to homelessness.

• Education & Awareness: – raising awareness of homelessness issues within the federal public service, working with the community to educate and inform Canadians on issues of homelessness.

• Programs & Services: – federal departments coordinating service delivery activities to better respond to needs as identified by the community.

• Systems & Data: – community organizations requiring equipment and training to assist them to coordinate activities, share information, and respond to the needs of clients.

• Accommodations & Housing: – ensuring an adequate supply of emergency, transitional and affordable housing as pivotal in addressing the needs of homeless people.

****Each committee has its own chairperson

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Current Financial State

• City of Edmonton Trust Fund• Provincial ($3M/3 years) = $9M• Federal $753M/1999-2004:

– TOTAL:•1999-2000: $62.5M •2000-2001: $235M•2001-2002: $220M•2002-2003: $220M•2003-2004: $15.5M

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Current Federal Allocation

• TOTAL:

– 1999-2000: $62.5M

– 2000-2001: $235M

– 2001-2002: $220M

– 2002-2003: $220M

– 2003-2004: $15.5M

• ***ENHANCEMENTS:

– 1999-2000: $57.5M

– 2000-2001: $135M

– 2001-2002: $120M

– 2002-2003: $120M

– 2003-2004: $15.5M

• SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES:

– 1999-2000: $5M – 2000-2001: $100M

– 2001-2002: $100M

– 2002-2003: $100M

– 2003-2004: $0M****Enhancement include: Renovation Programs (CMHC); Youth Employment Strategy (HRDC Youth Employment Initiatives); YouthAt Risk; Urban Aboriginal Strategy; Shelter Enhancement Program;Surplus Federal Properties; Research/Reporting/Accountability;Assistance for Community Plans

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Current Federal Allocation

***ENHANCEMENTS:

– 1999-2000: $57.5M –2000-2001: $135M– 2001-2002: $120M– 2002-2003: $120M– 2003-2004: $15.5M

****Enhancements 2000-2001 include: • Renovation Programs (CMHC) $82M; • Youth Employment Strategy (HRDC Youth Employment Initiatives); Youth At Risk $5M• Urban Aboriginal Strategy (PCO/HRDC/INAC/PCH) $5M;• Shelter Enhancement Program (CMHC) $7M;• Surplus Federal Properties $1M; • Research/Reporting/Accountability $1M;•Assistance for Community Plans (HRDC) $2M

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Current Federal Allocation for 2000-2001: $235M: $135M Enhancements &

$100M Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative

$18M for Urban Aboriginal Strategy for all of Canada

For 2000-2001 Renovation Programs

Youth Employment/Risk

Urban Aboriginal Strategy

Shelter Enhancements

Surplus Enhancements

Research

Assist. To Comm. Plans

Supporting CommunitiesPartnership Initiative

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Current Federal Allocation for 2000-2001: $135M Enhancements Only

$18M for Urban Aboriginal Strategy for all of Canada

For 2000-2001Renovation Programs





Research


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Current Federal Allocation for 2000-2001:

$135M/10 Cities = $13.5MEnhancements Only

$1.8M for Urban Aboriginal Strategy for Edmonton

For 2000-2001Renovation Programs





Research


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Current Federal Allocation for 2000-2001: $100M

Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative $100M for all of Canada for 2000-2001Current Federal Allocation for 2000-

2001: $100M/10 Cities (approx.) =

$10M/city for 2000-2001

And of that – what voice do Aboriginal people have?

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So Yes, the Federal Urban Aboriginal Strategy is

$59M/Canada between 1999-2004 . . .

. . . Now, what needs to happen in order to effectively mobilize forces at the municipal level in order to:– First, be recognized as the voice of Aboriginal people to direct funding, programs and services to ensure Aboriginal homefulness.

– Second, through the proposed Aboriginal Joint Committee/s to have financial decision-making privileges on all specifically allocated Aboriginal funding on homelessness (all governmental levels).

– Third, to fully participate in ensuring accountability and the design of programs that focus on solutions specific to Aboriginal people experiencing homelessness.

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Current Financial State

City of Edmonton Funding

Provincial Funding

FederalFunding

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Current Flow of Committees***No Aboriginal Committee/Committee Members

Throughout . . . Even though 35% - 42% of the homeless in Edmonton are

Aboriginal!

***Federal Interdepartmental

Committee onHomelessness

***Volunteerism

***Education &Awareness

***Programs & Services

***Systems &

Data

***Accommodations

& Housing

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Parallel Flow of Aboriginal Committees

Edmonton JointPlanning Committee

On Housing &Homelessness

AboriginalVolunteerism#? members

AboriginalEducation & Awareness#? members

AboriginalPrograms & Services#? members

Aboriginal Systems &

Data#? members

Aboriginal Accommodations

& Housing#? members

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Proposed Flow of Aboriginal Committees

Edmonton JointPlanning Committee

On Housing &Homelessness

AboriginalVolunteerism#? members

AboriginalEducation & Awareness#? members

AboriginalPrograms & Services#? members


Data#? members

Aboriginal Accommodations

& Housing#? members

Aboriginal Disabled#? members

Aboriginal Elders

#? members

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Proposed Flow of Aboriginal Chairs

Edmonton AboriginalExecutive

Council On Housing & Homelessness

AboriginalVolunteerism

1 Chair

AboriginalEducation & Awareness1 Chair

AboriginalPrograms & Services1 Chair


Data1 Chair

Aboriginal Accommodations &

Housing 1 Chair

Aboriginal Disabled1 Chair

(proposed)

Aboriginal Elders1 Chair

(proposed)

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Proposed Flow of Aboriginal Committees into Joint Planning Committee

***Representatives will be selected from the Edmonton Aboriginal Executive Council to participate fully in the Edmonton Joint

Planning Committee on HousingEdmonton

Joint Planning Committee on

Housing( #? Aboriginalrepresentatives)

Edmonton AboriginalExecutiveCouncil

On Housing & Homelessness

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Aboriginal Committees to Underlie the Entire

Process. . .

ProvincialFunding

Federal Funding

Municipal Funding

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Why is this the time to move forward?

• Currently the Edmonton Joint Planning Committee on Housing is restructuring its mandate, membership and organization.

• It is an opportune time for Aboriginal people/agencies to get involved during this reorganization in order to ensure that Aboriginal people and our issues are fairly represented by our strong voice.

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Why is this the time to move forward?

• The Edmonton Joint Planning Committee on Housing needs to be aware that the 35-42% of Edmonton’s Aboriginal homeless people are a diverse cross-section of the population and encompass a diverse range of peoples – from First Nations, Metis Nation, Metis Settlements to Inuit, from a variety of locations both urban and rural – from across Canada, the US and potentially from around the world.

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Current Aboriginal Homeless Initiatives

• Aboriginal Forum on Homelessness– Report Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs/Nechi Centre)

• Native Counselling – Community Consultation Process– Report compiled, including:

•Issues•Capacity Building initiatives•Results

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Current View on Edmonton Joint Planning Committee on Housing/Homelessness • The newly formed Edmonton Joint Planning

Committee on Housing/Homelessness will revisit the Edmonton Task Force on Homelessness recommendations, detailed in March 1999.

• Has established a Trust Fund on Housing which will house all federal, provincial and municipal monies allocated to homelessness within the city of Edmonton.

• Will be the deciding body on how all of the monies residing in the Trust Fund will be spent – from all levels of government.

• Currently, equitable Aboriginal representation does not exist in this committee.

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Edmonton Information

SystemOn Housing & Homelessness

Proposed Information Technology Tool to disseminate information to ALL Aboriginal Organizations in the City of Edmonton involved in Aboriginal Housing & Homelessness

Web-Based

Governmental Links

Aboriginal/Non-Aboriginal Links

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Edmonton Information

SystemOn Housing & Homelessness

Meetings Postings, linked to all governmental levels, agencies, etc. from Edmonton Aboriginal Executive CouncilOn Homelessness

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Phased Approach• Phase One:

– Establish Aboriginal involvement in the Joint Planning Committee Process for the City of Edmonton homeless.

– Set equivalent Aboriginal committees to address similar concerns as the Federal committees on homelessness.

– Formal approval from Government as being recognized as the official Aboriginal body to address homelessness issues in the City of Edmonton.

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Phased Approach

• Phase Two: Planning & Design– Research, consultation and innovation regarding the specific needs of distinct Aboriginal homeless people coming from divergent cultural and geographic backgrounds (i.e.. First Nations, Metis Nation, Metis Settlements, Inuit, Rural / Urban environments . . .)

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Phased Approach• Phase Three: Test Trials/Rework & Implementation – Creation of particular Aboriginal-specific programs designed to assist homeless Aboriginal people in the City of Edmonton. Programs will include a test or trial phase based on a small percentage of the group, followed over a period of time, followed by a full implementation strategy – cooperatively designed by the Sub-committees to address both short and long term solutions to Aboriginal homelessness in the City of Edmonton.

Documents

Aboriginal Homelessness in Edmonton FINAL FINAL