Short-term housing: An important part of the housing continuum

By: Jasmine Salazar

Not one program or program type can reduce homelessness in the community—it is the relationship between interventions that ultimately drive community goals of ending homelessness. Short-term housing solutions provide a temporary solution to bridge the gap from homelessness to permanent housing by providing individuals with wrap-around support and services to help stabilize their lives.

The Salvation Army’s Edmonton Centre of Hope (ECOH) offers an intermediate step between emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing. “It’s meant to be short-term,” says Vanessa Sim, Assistant Executive Director at ECOH.

The Salvation Army, Canada’s largest non-governmental provider of social services, operates an increasing number of short-term housing facilities across Canada that offer people at risk of or experiencing homelessness a safe, supportive and semi-independent environment where they can rebuild their lives and make the transition from homelessness to stable housing.

ECOH oversees the operations of these housing programs, which include three facilities for men and women that can be rented for up to two years depending on the program. Residents can stay in dorm rooms or a private room. Residents are provided a supportive living environment that meets their basic needs while equipping them with the supports that enhances stability and prepares them for independent living.

“Our goal is to have them transition as safely and quickly as possible to permanent housing solutions, so they don’t land with us too long,” says Sim. “We have a team that works hard with our community members to aid in their transitions as safely as possible.”

Sim adds that the average length of stay for a person is typically around 118 days. Some residents just need some light support and can find permanent housing on their own; while others might need a bit more support. Those that require extra help are referred to other housing supports, including Housing First teams, to assist them with securing permanent housing.

“Sometimes budgeting can be a factor, addiction can be a factor, mental health can be a factor—our residents come with many barriers. We’re trying to help reduce those barriers to transition into permanent housing,” says Sim.

Addressing those barriers at the outset allows individuals to access permanent housing easily in the future. For example, Salvation Army has an ID program onsite that enables them to assist individuals who may not have ID. They also will work with Alberta Supports to assist individuals who may require financial assistance.

“It’s an honour to be a part of this chapter in their lives as they move towards permanent housing solutions,” she says. “The sooner we can get people out of short-term housing and bridge them into permanent housing, the better. We all have a collective goal that ultimately ensures Edmontonians experiencing homelessness find stable and safe housing.”

For more information on Salvation Army’s transitional housing, visit: https://www.salvationarmyedmonton.org/

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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We recognize we are gathered, in collaboration and with joint purpose, on Treaty 6 territory. This territory is the home and gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples. The Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Inuit, and many others. We know the importance of the Treaty and our responsibility to these communities and that only in partnership can we create the social change necessary to end homelessness. It is vital that we meaningfully engage and partner with Indigenous people and communities in this work. It is important to recognize and address the conditions brought forth by colonialism. Displacement from traditional homelands, systemic racism, residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and the ongoing overrepresentation of Indigenous people in child welfare, correctional systems, and homelessness are responsibilities we all share.