Housing Supports Forum 2024 Summary 

The Housing Supports Forum ran June 12 to 14, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, hosted by Homeward Trust Edmonton and sponsored by 7 Cities.

Since 2001, Alberta’s 7 Cities on Housing and Homelessness (7 Cities) has been working to achieve the shared goal of ending homelessness across our province. These 7 cities include the following groups: Calgary Homeless Foundation​, City of Grande Prairie, City of Lethbridge​, Homeward Trust Edmonton, Medicine Hat Community Housing Society​, City of Red Deer, and Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo​.
 
The Housing Supports Forum provides an opportunity for the sector to come together to promote collaboration and innovation within the homeless-serving sector.

Read the Housing Supports Forum 2024 Summary below. Here is a recap of some of the forum sessions: 

Day One: Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024 – A Focus on Collaboration and Community. 

Quality Improvement Technical Training, Built For Zero

Speakers:  
Marie Morrison (Built for Zero, CAEH)  
Lori Richer (Bult for Zero, CAEH) 

Speakers Marie Morrison and Lori Richer led a session focusing on Edmonton’s adoption of the Built for Zero (BFZ) strategy, spearheaded by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH). The BFZ initiative aims to tackle chronic and veteran homelessness through collaborative community efforts. During this training, Built for Zero emphasized the importance of change management and quality improvement approaches, focusing on the tools and discipline needed for success. Participants, including program practitioners and leaders, learned how to implement the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) approach in their work.  

Day Two: Thursday, June 13, 2024 – Panels, Panels, Panels and More Panels! 

Navigation And Support Centre, Government Of Alberta, and Seniors, Community And Social Services (SCSS)

Speakers:  
Robyn Cochrane (Executive Director, Seniors, Community And Social Services (SCSS)) 
Christa Gilroy (Manager, Seniors, Community And Social Services (SCSS)) 

The Navigation and Supports Centre exemplifies an initiative-taking approach to addressing homelessness through integrated services and community collaboration while highlighting persistent challenges and necessary improvements within homelessness support frameworks. Christa Gilroy and Robyn Cochrane discussed the Edmonton Encampment Navigation Support Centre, which provided essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness, such as shelter navigation and medical support. The government of Alberta highlighted the center’s partnerships with organizations like Hope Mission and Alberta Health Services (AHS) Mental Health and Addictions.

Bridge Housing Panel: Role & Place Within Homeless Serving System, NiGiNan Housing Venutres, Boyle Street Community Services and Homeward Trust Edmonton

Speakers:  
Jake Ramer (Homeward Trust – Jockey Dorms)  
Beth Muller (Boyle St Community Serviced – Sandy’s Place)  
Tiana Machado (NiGiNan Housing Ventured – Pimatsiwin)  
 
The Bridge Housing Panel explored temporary accommodation solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness, featuring programs like Sandy’s Place, Jockey Dorms,  and Pimatsiwin. The session discussed the role of bridge housing in providing stability and support while individuals transition to permanent housing solutions. Discussions highlighted the importance of cultural support, referral processes, and operational funding in bridge housing models.  

Measuring Housing Insecurity, Rural Development Network

Speakers: 
Lisa Belanger (CEO, Rural Development Network) 
Linda Bernicki (Director of Community Development and Indigenous Engagement, Rural Development Network) 
Sydney Steneked (Director of Homelessness Initiatives, Rural Development Network) 

This session, hosted by the Rural Development Network, focused on measuring housing insecurity, particularly in rural Alberta. The speakers discussed various methodologies and initiatives to address the housing and homelessness crisis. They highlighted the challenges faced in implementing the Point-in-Time (PiT) methodology, especially in rural areas where homelessness is less visible but equally pressing.  

Evolving Responsibilities & Expectations in Governance of System Planning Organizations, Homeward Trust Edmonton

Speakers:  
Susan McGee (CEO, Homeward Trust Edmonton) 

The session, led by Susan McGee, the CEO of Homeward Trust Edmonton, focused on the evolving responsibilities and expectations in the governance of system planning organizations. The session offered valuable insights into the complexities of governance within these organizations and highlighted the need for continued adaptation to meet the evolving needs of communities in Alberta. 

Recruitment Engagement with Landlords, Leston Holdings, and Homeward Trust Edmonton

Speakers: 
Lynsey Masson (Leston Holdings, Edmonton) 
Kayla Ross (Leston Holdings, Edmonton)  
Jim Fowler (Homeward Trust Edmonton) 
Cam Branson (Homeward Trust Edmonton) 

The Homeward Trust Edmonton Landlord Relations Team hosted an interactive discussion with Edmonton area landlords to improve landlord engagement and gather tips for supporting tenants. The session emphasized realistic timelines, effective communication, and dispelling myths associated with program-supported tenants.  

Healthcare Panel – Approached Within Homeless-Service Providers, The Alex Community Health Centre, Calgary, Street Connect, Red Deer, and Bridge Healing Jasper Place Wellness Centre

Speakers:  
Steve Richardson (The Alex Community Health Centre, Calgary) 
Amanda Chamberlain (Street Connect, Red Deer) 
Chantel Jackson (Bridge Healing Jasper Place Wellness Centre (JPWC)) 

The healthcare panel described healthcare connections and service pathways for people at risk of, experiencing, or with recent experience of homelessness. Sessions provided a practical lens to ease connections to healthcare services, contrasted medical case management vs. Housing case management, and decided the most suitable housing programs and facilities for individuals with ongoing medical needs.  

Engagement & Leadership in a Municipal Context, Canadian Mental Health Association, The City Of Red Deer, And Lived Expertise Committee

Speakers:  
Tammy Rogers (Housing Engagement Coordinator, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)) 
Abe Bavelaar (Chair of the Lived Experience Council) 
Jodi Kelloway (The City of Red Deer) 

This joint presentation of the Lived Experience Council, the city of Red Deer, and the Canadian Mental Health Administration highlights the collaborative work and progress made by engaging lived ability in municipal and community contexts. Historically, there was limited coordination in involving LE beyond specific projects. Red Deer developed a plan to remedy this, including funding and contracting individuals with established community relationships. A significant step was the creation of a Request for Proposal (RFP) outlining guidelines, processes, and recruitment strategies, ensuring LE had a meaningful voice in city governance. 

Action Research on Chronic Homelessness (ARCH), Homeward Trust Edmonton and The Medicine Hat Community Housing Society

Speakers: 
Jaime Rogers (Medicine Hat Community Housing Society) 
Kerri Sandford (Medicine Hat Community Housing Society) 

This informative session updated the Action Research on Chronic Homelessness (ARCH) program. It will offer valuable insights and update you on the program’s progress and impact. 

Mental Health Allyship, Canadian Mental Health Association

Speakers:  
Jeremy Livingston (Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)) 
Lance Freitas (Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA))  

During the Mental Health Allyship session, diverse topics related to mental health allyship were covered, including stigma, the distinction between mental health and mental illness, and the recovery-oriented approach. The session emphasized the importance of allyship in promoting supportive and inclusive practices in communities and service sectors. Strategies for promoting recovery-oriented mental health practices, addressing stigma, and collaborating with diverse communities were presented, advocating for the transformation of services towards a recovery-oriented model. 

Supportive Housing Panel – Lessons Learned and New Approaches, Homeward Trust Edmonton And Native Counselling Services Of Alberta (NSCA)

Speakers:  
Jeff Walker (Homeward Trust Edmonton) 
Crystal Thompson-Kootenay (Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NSCA)) 
Blake Jackman (Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NSCA)) 

The panel discussed “Lessons Learned and New Approaches for Supportive Housing.” Homeward Trust Edmonton hosted the event, featuring speakers from Homeward Trust Edmonton and Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NSCA). The panel shared insights and experiences about supportive housing and explored innovative approaches to address housing challenges. They also discussed safety, resident rights, and community engagement within supportive housing frameworks, emphasizing a person-centred approach to housing stability. 

Canadian Shelter Transformation Network, Calgary Drop-In Shelter

Speakers:  
Sandra Clarkson (Calgary Drop-In Shelter) 

This information session is dedicated to the Canadian Shelter Transformation Network and establishing a Community of Practice based in Alberta. At the 2024 Housing Supports Forum, the session featured a focused initiative led by Sandra Clarkson from the Calgary Drop-In Centre. The initiative aims to convert shelters in Alberta into housing-focused facilities, with the primary goal of speeding up the transition of individuals from shelters to permanent housing. They are looking for five pilot sites across the province to kick-start this transformation. Bottom of Form 

Kawegehanowak (Together We Will House Them), Lived Expertise Committee

Speakers:  
Pamela Spurvey (Lived Expertise Committee Member) 
Rosemary Fayant (Lived Expertise Committee Member) 
Lori McDermott (Lived Expertise Committee Member)  

This session discussed housing program principles through lived experience. The speakers, Pamela Spurvey, Rosemary Fayant, and Lori McDermott, shared their expertise and discussed various housing support strategies and challenges. Their perspectives offered a deep understanding of housing issues and the importance of lived experience in informing effective support systems. 

Day Three: Building Hope and Empowering Voices 

Hope Building 101, Canadian Mental Health Association

Speakers:  
Amanda De Boer (Recovery Facilitator for Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton’s Recovery College) 
Jay Forcier (Recovery Facilitator for Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton’s Recovery College) 

At Hope Building 101, hosted by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Amanda De Boer and Jay Forcier, Recovery Facilitators, presented valuable insights into the importance of hope in collaborating with clients and demonstrated a purposeful technique for gently challenging those who feel hopeless or helpless. 

Building A Diverse Housing Continuum, Housing, And Homeless Initiatives Grande Prarie

Speakers:  
Wendy Hughes (Director of Housing and Homeless Initiative (HHI)) 
Samantha Chippeway (Housing Operation Lead Housing and Homeless Initiative (HHI)) 
Ashley Saunders (Housing Coordinator Housing and Homeless Initiative (HHI)) 

In the session, speakers discussed creating a diverse housing continuum tailored to the community’s needs while addressing homelessness. This presentation highlights the concept of building multiple housing options within the continuum tailored to the community’s varying needs while addressing homelessness.  

Storytelling, Lived Expertise Committee

Speakers:  
Pamela Spurvey (Lived Experience Committee, Homeward Trust) 
Lori McDermott (Lived Experience Committee, Homeward Trust)  

The speakers shared powerful stories of multigenerational trauma and recovery journeys. They emphasized the importance of holistic support and community collaboration in overcoming barriers to wellness. This session will focus on storytelling from a lived experience perspective. For example, the speakers will discuss how taking ownership of personal stories can lead to meaningful change. They will draw from their journeys, from experiencing homelessness to their present day. They highlighted the significance of collaborative support systems and compensating individuals for sharing their stories to bring about generational change toward wellness. 

Youth Agency Collaborative, Youth Empowerment & Support Services 

Speakers:  
Margo Long (Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS)) 

Margo Long presented the Youth Agency Collaboration strategy for Edmonton, emphasizing coordinated care, trauma-informed approaches, and community-based services to support youth experiencing homelessness. 

The session focused on the Youth Agency Collaboration (YAC) strategy in Edmonton, which addresses challenges youth agencies face, such as competition for funding and poor data sharing. Margo Long from YESS proposed a collaborative approach to youth services, emphasizing shared outcomes, coordinated care, and trauma-informed practices. The strategy included establishing 24/7 intervention centers and community youth support centers, aiming to replace shelters with housing and create a comprehensive network of youth services. 

Recovery Oriented Serviced in the Homeless Serving Sector, George Spady Society  

Speakers:  
Lindy Dowhaniuk (George Spady Society, Edmonton) 
Renee Iverson (George Spady Society, Edmonton) 

The speakers highlighted the critical connections between the Recovery-Oriented System of Care (ROSC) and the homeless-serving sector during the presentation. They discussed the various entry points into ROSC, explained how housing teams could support individuals before, during, and after treatment, and detailed how the process of building Recovery Capital was related to the homeless-serving sector. 

Building Your Data Capabilities, Calgary Homeless Foundation And Homeward Trust Edmonton 

Speakers:  
Sam Elliot (Calgary Homeless Foundation) 
Dr. Tyler Roberts (Homeward Trust) 

The session, presented by Sam Elliot from the Calgary Homeless Foundation and Dr. Tyler Roberts from Homeward Trust, focused on developing and expanding data capabilities over time. It addressed shared challenges encountered by organizations and provided a systematic approach to resolving them. The session emphasized building tools and processes that could be scaled horizontally across various data domains. 

Empathy Building Project, Lana Michelin  

Speakers:  
Lana Michelin (Red Deer Artist, Journalist and Writer) 

Lana Michelin showcased her art series “Being Human: Portraits on Homelessness” at the 2024 Housing Supports Forum. The Being Human portrait exhibit urges viewers to consider individuals often overlooked on the streets. Understanding their challenges brings us closer to fostering empathy. It is through knowledge that we may find compassion. Michelin interacted with shelter residents over three visits, explaining the project and encouraging participation. The exhibition is held at the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery until August 10th, 2024. 

Looking Forward to Future Years 

The Housing Supports Forum 2024 served as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among stakeholders and partnerships dedicated to ending homelessness in Alberta.

Every year, on June 21st, Canadians unite to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. This day, set during June National Indigenous History Month, is dedicated to honouring and acknowledging the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples across Canada.  

Local Edmonton & Area Events

Additional Events To Celebrate All Year Round 

Night Market and Entertainment Showcase at the River Cree*	River Cree Resort and Casino  300 East Lapotac Boulevard, Enoch	June 20-23  Thurs-Sat: 2-10pm  Sun: Noon-5pm	$5 – Gate Admission  Free for Elders 60+ and Children under 12
3rd Year Celebration – Soup and Bannock	Indigenous Psychological Services  #104 – 17510 102 Avenue NW, Edmonton	June 24  4-6pm	Free – Registration required (Please call Indigenous Psychological Services: 587-594-9855)
Run-Walk for Reconciliation	Lions Park  21 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue, St. Albert	July 1  9am-Noon	Free
Poundmaker’s Lodge Annual Powwow	Poundmaker’s Lodge  25008 Poundmaker Road, St. Albert	August 2-4  Fri – 7pm  Sat – 1pm  Sun – 1pm	Free

Here’s a list of learning resources, focused on Alberta and Edmonton. These resources provide various ways to learn, appreciate, and engage with Indigenous cultures, histories, and current issues in Alberta and Edmonton. 

1. Empowering the Spirit: Educational resources aimed at deepening understanding of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives through collaboration between Alberta Education and the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortium.  

2. Blackfoot Digital Library: This library contains a wealth of information about Blackfoot people and culture, including images, audio, videos, and documents collected over the past century. 

3. Michif Word of the Day: Learn about the Michif language, which combines Cree and French and is spoken mainly among Métis people. This resource helps preserve and understand this endangered language. 

4. 10 Ways to Make the Most of National Indigenous Peoples Day: An article by Homeward Trust Edmonton offering ten ideas to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) on June 21st. 

5. Indigenous Resources and Events at EPL: The Edmonton Public Library provides information about Indigenous Peoples, including weekly Cree and Stoney language classes, cultural teachings by Nôhkom Jo-Ann Saddleback, and resources on reconciliation. 

6. Métis Culture: Explore Métis culture and heritage with a family-friendly video created in partnership with Edmonton Public Schools, Edmonton Catholic Schools, Knowwacîston (MacEwan University), and the City of Edmonton Indigenous Relations Office. 

7. Books by Indigenous Authors: Literature is crucial to understanding Indigenous perspectives. This resource emphasizes the importance of reading books by Indigenous authors to gain insight into their experiences, histories, and cultures. 

October 10 is World Homeless Day – a day to draw attention to the needs of people experiencing homelessness.  

First recognized on October 10, 2010, the concept of #worldhomelessday emerged from conversations amongst aid workers from all over the world who wanted a platform to raise awareness, advocate for resources and encourage community involvement in the efforts to prevent and end homelessness.   

While having an International Day of Awareness is a step in the right direction, the work towards ending homelessness does not end on #WorldHomelessDay and requires a committed, ongoing effort by the entire homeless-serving sector. Individuals like you also play a vital role, as through our collective efforts, advocacy, learning and participation, we can positively impact the lives of those who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused.  

Here are a few ways to support and work towards ending homelessness in Edmonton:  

1) Participate:

Consider contacting local community organizations to donate needed items, volunteer your time or make a financial donation. One such organization is our own furniture bank, online and retail store, FIND, where every donation makes a difference in the lives of someone experiencing homelessness.  

FIND works in coordination with social agency partners and the Housing Support Program to provide essential furnishings for those being housed. Follow the link below to learn more about FIND and a few of the other community organizations always in need of support as they support. 

• Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
• Bissell Centre 
• Boyle Street Community Services
• Edmonton Food Bank
• Edmonton John Howard Society
• E4C
• FIND
• George Spady Society
• Hope Mission Edmonton
• Jasper Place Wellness Centre
• Mustard Seed
• Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS)

2) Learn and Share:

Learn more and share resources to raise awareness and support those experiencing homelessness.    

• Books on homelessness
• Coordinated Access: See the schedule to connect with or refer someone to the team for housing support and services here.
• The Homeless Hub for easy-to-read and simple research resources. 

3) Ways We Support:

As an organization, we collaborate with federal, provincial, and municipal governments to address the complex issue of homelessness in Edmonton. Here are a few of our approaches and initiatives:  

• We support those experiencing homelessness through our Housing Support program, coordinated access, landlord relations, rental assistance, and training. Read more about our programs here.  
• Collaboration with the entire homeless serving sector to advance shared goals towards ending homelessness. This includes knowledge translation to the local sector and key partners.  
• The Institute of Global Homelessness collaborates with organizations and cities to end street homelessness by 2030 through collective learning, best practices and partnerships with local, national, and regional organizations. The “A Place to Call Home” campaign began with 10 international vanguard cities selected for their demonstrated impact in efforts to end homelessness. Homeward Trust and Edmonton were invited to be one of those vanguard communities presenting an opportunity to connect with global researchers, practitioners and policymakers for shared leadership, advocacy and community-informed solutions. Our role in the Vanguard Network allows us to raise awareness and advance systems and programs. Learn more at IGH Hub.  
• Homeward Trust has also coordinated leadership and participation in several North American initiatives, such as Built For Zero Canada, Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness and Bloomberg Associates, to name a few. 

Let’s work together to end homelessness. Every little bit to support local organizations’ initiatives and help to raise awareness makes a difference in eliminating homelessness. 

Ways to observe, participate and learn more

First established in 2021, September 30th marks Canada’s third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action.  

This is a day to reflect, honour and remember the survivors, their families, communities, and others affected by the residential school system while calling upon each of us to take responsibility for building understanding and better relationships and recommit to recognizing the rights of Indigenous, Inuit and Métis peoples.  

Below are a few ways you can observe, learn, listen, and deepen your understanding of the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada and what meaningful truth and reconciliation should look like: 

WEAR ORANGE FOR ORANGE SHIRT DAY: 

September 30^th is Orange Shirt Day. Learn more here about the origin and history of this day and why we were orange as a symbol.

ATTEND AN EVENT IN THE EDMONTON AREA:  

• Orange Shirt Day Community Walk 
  • Organization Name: Standing Together 
  • Location: Mary Burlie Park (10465 97 Street NW) to Giovanni Caboto Park (9425 109A Ave) 
  • Time: Noon-4 pm

• Empowering Our Spirits
  • Location: Boyle Street Plaza, 9538 103A Avenue, Edmonton 
  • Organization Name: Community partners 
  • Time: Noon-3 pm and 5-10 pm 

• Find more events happening throughout the day listed by The City of Edmonton here: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023 

READ & LEARN: 

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Canada: Learn about the legacy of the Indian Residential School system through interactive and educational resources. 
• Learn about and embrace Métis cultural activities here from the Métis Nation of Alberta. 
• Truth the Reconciliation Commission and 94 Calls to Action 
• Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 
• Explore Indigenous cultures and stories shared by the Government of Canada. 
• We have catalogued many incredible books by Indigenous authors. Check them out HERE 
• Orange Shirt Society 
• Edmonton Public Library – Mâmawôayâwin (Indigenous Services) 

WATCH AND LISTEN:  

• Stolen Children | Residential School Survivors Speak Out 
• Kamloops Residential School Survivors Recall Students Going Missing, Digging Of Graves In Orchard 
• A Day to Listen:  Mino Bimaadiziwin: Honouring Indigenous Identity. 
• We Know the Truth: Stories to Inspire Reconciliation | CBC News 
• “The Stranger” Official Video – Gord Downie – Secret Path 

SUPPORT: 

Indian Residential School Crisis Line	1-866-925-4419 (toll-free)
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness 24/7 Help Line	1-855-242-3310  Support can be provided in English, French, Ojibway, Cree and Inuktitut
Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line	1-877-303-2642 (toll-free)
Canadian Mental Health Association – 24-hour Distress Line	780-482-4357 (HELP)

September 30, 2022, will be the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.

This national day of observance was established in 2021 in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action:

“We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”

Below are a few ways you can observe this important day of public commemoration, as well as ways to learn, to listen, and deepen your understanding of the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada and what meaningful truth and reconciliation should look like.

1. Read

We have catalogued many incredible books by Indigenous authors. Check them out HERE

2. Watch

• Stolen Children | Residential School Survivors Speak Out
• Kamloops Residential School Survivors Recall Students Going Missing, Digging Of Graves In Orchard
• “The Stranger” Official Video – Gord Downie – Secret Path
• Gem CBC – Truth And Reconciliation Collection
• CBC News Special: National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Friday, September 30 At 12:30 P.M. ET On CBC, CBC Gem, CBC News Network, Cbcnews.Ca And The CBC News App
• A Day to Listen: Amplifying Indigenous Voices
• Panel Discussion: Indigenous Perspectives on the Pope’s Apology September 30 at 1 p.m. ET

3. Listen

• Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
  Friday, September 30 at 1 p.m. (2 AT/ 2:30 NT) on CBC Radio One and CBC Listen
• Telling Our Twisted Histories. Words connect us. Words hurt us. Indigenous histories have been twisted by centuries of colonization. Host Kaniehti:io Horn brings us together to decolonize our minds– one word, one concept, one story at a time.
• Unreserved is the radio space for Indigenous community, culture, and conversation. Host Rosanna Deerchild takes you straight into Indigenous Canada, from Halifax to Haida Gwaii, from Shamattawa to Ottawa, introducing listeners to the storytellers, culture makers and community shakers from across the country.
• 2 Crees in a Pod explores a deep conversation about Indigenous knowledge and how this way of life and learning is critical for Indigenous people today.
• A Tribe Called Geek is a nerd-culture podcast that prides itself on its “Indigenerdity.” The ATCG website covers everything from comics, STEM, cosplaying, art, entertainment and more.

4. Wear an orange shirt

• When she was six, Phyllis (Jack) Webstad had a brand new orange shirt for her first day of school, bought for her by her grandmother. When she arrived at residential school, she was stripped and her clothes were taken away, including her orange shirt. The shirt was never returned. To Phyllis, the colour orange was a reminder of her residential school experiences: “how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.” Learn more about her story.

5. Attend an event in the Edmonton area

• Book reading: Nokum is my Teacher and Phyllis’ Orange Shirt, September 30, 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Royal Alberta Museum, Roundhouse. ‘Nokum is my Teacher,’ is a dialogue between a grandmother and her grandson to help him better understand the larger world while respecting Indigenous ways of life. Phyllis Webstad’s book, ‘Phyllis’ Orange Shirt’ will also be read on her true story behind creating Orange Shirt Day.
• Royal Alberta Museum Viewing Table, September 30, 1-3 p.m. at Royal Alberta Museum lobby. Learn about Indigenous stories and objects from RAM’s Learning Collection at their viewing table in the lobby. Visitors will have the chance to ask questions and see objects up close.
• Calling on Spirit Back, Truth and Reconciliation event, Sept 30, 2022 at Boyle Street Plaza – 9538 103A Ave
  • 7:30 a.m. – Pipe Ceremony
  • 9 a.m. – Courageous Conversation
  • 5 p.m. – Feast
  • 6 p.m. – Round Dance
• Orange Shirt Day Walk, September 30 at 4 p.m. at Wetaskiwin and District Heritage Museum. Join us as we walk on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation to remember those children taken from their homes and sent to Residential Schools. We will be walking from the Wetaskiwin & District Heritage Museum to the Peace Cairn and then move over to Jubilee Park for more activities.
• Guided Walks on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30 at 9-11 a.m. & 1-3 p.m. at U of A MacEwan Library, Norquest Library, UofA Library & NEOS Library Consortium. Join us for reflective land-based teaching and learning on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Two walks are planned for this day, each considering the histories of these lands and its people from different vantage points.
  1. Morning Walk: ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞Indigenous Arts Park to Rossdale Burial Grounds
  2. Afternoon Walk: MacEwan Treaty Marker to Twin Burial Grounds (Saint Joachim & Edmonton Municipal)

Reposted from the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association. Original post June 21, 2021

Each year on June 21^st, Indigenous peoples across Canada come together to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) – June 21^st was chosen as the date in 1996 as it falls on the Summer Solstice. This is a day to recognize the unique and diverse cultures and heritage of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Joining in these celebrations is a great way to learn and support Indigenous peoples locally. The CHRA Indigenous Caucus invites you to celebrate National Indigenous People’s Day, especially during a difficult time for Indigenous peoples across Canada. Here are 10 ideas to help you make the most of NIPD:

1. Discover your local listings of National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations and attend with family, friends, colleagues. Enjoy a virtual edition of the Summer Solstice Festival.
2. Read and discuss the 10 Guiding Principles of Reconciliation from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report (.pdf) with family and colleagues.
3. Learn about the Indigenous history of where you live or work: native-land.ca is a great place to start! It maps out the different territories, languages and treaties that were and are occupied by Indigenous peoples of those lands.
4. Learn some greetings in the Indigenous language of where you live and/or work.
5. Seek out an Indigenous restaurant or food truck. If there are none around you, try out some recipes! Here is a great one for Bannock that is “elder approved”.
6. Listen to an Indigenous podcast, some Indigenous music, Indigenous comedy, or watch an Indigenous tv show or movie. Below is a list of our favourites:
   • Red Man Laughing (Podcast): features Indigenous artists, thinkers and doers who talk about Indian country and the mainstream.
   • All My Relations (Podcast): explores our relationships to land, to our creatural relatives and to one another.
   • Coffee with my Ma (Podcast): features a radical activist mother who tells stories of her long adventurous life.
   • Indigenous Canada Music (playlist): enjoy a mix to celebrate the music made by Indigenous peoples in Canada.
   • CBC Unreserved (TV episode): watch a hilarious stand-up sketch of Indigenous comedy.
   • Rutherford Falls (TV show): a top pick from Indigenous Caucus Manager, Steve Sutherland.
   • National Film Board: explore an extensive list of Canadian Indigenous films.
7. Visit an art gallery that features Indigenous art.
8. Support your local Indigenous entrepreneurs.
9. Read a book by an Indigenous author. Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. has some great e-books. Some of our favourite authors include Jesse Thistle, Eden Robinson, Richard Wagamese, Lee Maracle, and Waubgeshig Rice. There are so many great books out there for you to choose from!

Show your support for a For Indigenous, By Indigenous Housing Strategy by visiting and endorsing our website at forindigenousbyindigenous.ca.

TELUS program reduces communication and technology barriers for people experiencing homelessness amid COVID-19

“Not having an address or cellphone was a barrier for me. It was hard coordinating with everybody, especially for interviews and meetings.”

The rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic forced many organizations nation-wide to develop innovative digital solutions to continue their service delivery. 

As information around the infectious disease continued to evolve, organizations had to pivot as quickly—and safely—as possible to ensure minimal service disruption. This resulted in a shift from in-person services to telecommunications in effort to maintain operations amid government physical distancing requirements.  

People with direct access to technology and Internet could stay connected. However, virtual services exacerbated pre-existing disparities in digital access for those without it, further compounding communication barriers for populations including people experiencing homelessness. 

Brent is among those who lacked the technology necessary to access these services remotely as he had been experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The 50-year-old explains he lost his home just before the pandemic hit due to his landlord increasing the monthly rent, and he ended up getting evicted. He didn’t have a cellphone at that time, and admits that maintaining communications without one was challenging and was worsened by the pandemic.

“Not having an address or cellphone was a barrier for me,” he says. “It was hard coordinating with everybody, especially for interviews and meetings.”

Brent needed to sustain communications—specifically with his doctor as he had a medical condition. This prompted a temporary solution prior to the pandemic: Brent was permitted to direct phone calls to the office of a local not-for-profit where it was arranged that they could take his messages. Eventually, the agency had temporarily shut down its in-person operations and reduced their hours due to COVID-19, so Brent was unable to retrieve those voicemails as frequently. 

“Half of the messages that were left for me were three or four days old,” recalls Brent. 

Some of those voicemails were from his doctor, prospective landlords, housing workers and other social supports. Some of these messages were essential in getting him permanently housed. 

Brent explains his health was deteriorating and his medical condition made him a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. His doctors were advising to not sleep outside anymore. 

“The doctors and specialists decided that they didn’t want me outside, because I was having medical issues,” says Brent. “I couldn’t live like that anymore.”

A solution was needed—and fast. 

The Solution

At this time, TELUS was being approached by their clients for assistance in navigating the communication challenges brought forward by the pandemic. It had been identified that there was an alarming number of people without access to a phone, Internet or other means of technology resulting in an urgent need to bridge those digital divides to ensure Canadians could maintain those vital connections. 

“We were being approached by organizations from across the country with concerns on how they would be able to stay in touch with their patients and/or the marginalized individuals they support,” explains Nimtaz Kanji, Director of Community Investments and Social Purpose Programs at TELUS. “Their offices were being shut down and they couldn’t meet face-to-face with their clients. It was a common trend among a lot of the inquiries we were getting at that time, so we started the COVID-19 Emergency Response program.”

The temporary COVID-19 Emergency Response program was formed to support community members, such as isolated seniors and people experiencing homelessness, with a necessary lifeline to continue communications with health and social support services during the pandemic. The program provided recipients with cellphone devices and free plans with unlimited talk and text, and 3GB of data. 

The program was an extension of an existing TELUS initiative called the Mobility for Good® program, explains Kanji, which equips youth aging out of foster care with a free mobile phone and plan for two years to help them gain their independence and stay connected. 

Kanji reveals that 325 organizations across the country were supported through the COVID-19 Emergency Response program. A total of 14,000 cellphones, tablets and plans valued at $16 million dollars were donated, she says. 

“The pandemic really emphasized the role that communications and technology has on our day-to-day lives—whether it was kids who had to start learning from home or marginalized individuals or those experiencing homelessness who all of a sudden could no longer access face-to-face services and supports,” she says. “In all of these cases—including for those who are working from home—technology plays an essential role in all of our lives.”

In Edmonton, the donated cellphones and plans were provided to Housing Support teams to give to people experiencing homelessness who were working towards securing housing. 

“Housing—having a roof on my head—gives me peace of mind. I don’t have to think about where I’m going to sleep or what I’m going to do.”

A place to call home

It had been identified that Brent had lost contact for a prolonged period during the pandemic. He was no longer checking in with the aforementioned local non-profit for messages and outreach workers were not able to locate him in the community. Brent’s file had revealed he had not been in contact for over 90 days. 

For unsheltered people experiencing homelessness, this is not uncommon. People sleeping outside are frequently on the move. Additional reasons that a person may lose contact could be due to transportation issues, safety, temporarily staying with a friend or family member, or resolved their housing situation on their own. 

Brent made contact again after visiting Tipinawâw—a temporary overnight shelter space that had been activated by sector partners to support people experiencing homelessness during the winter months— and it was discovered that he was still experiencing unsheltered homelessness. 

To minimize the risk of losing contact with Brent again, he was given a cellphone to help him reconnect and maintain those necessary conversations to get permanently housed. 

Denise Walton, Housing Outreach Worker at Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society who had been working with Brent to secure housing, confirms that the cellphone enabled Brent to maintain regular contact, and in turn helped him keep track of and attend the necessary appointments/meetings to get him housed. 

“It was so easy to connect with him once he got a cellphone,” says Walton. “Having a reliable form of communication made contact easy with Brent.”

That regular communication resulted in Brent securing a home in just six days. 

“I was surprised at how fast it happened. I wasn’t expecting it,” reflects Brent. “Everything was boom, boom, boom.” 

Brent has been housed since February 2021. He lives in a one-bedroom apartment in a quiet neighbourhood. 

Securing a home has been a relief, says Brent, who has been able to focus on his health.

“Housing—having a roof on my head—gives me peace of mind. I don’t have to think about where I’m going to sleep or what I’m going to do,” says Brent. 

Brent is a current participant in the Nikihk Housing Support program at Bent Arrow Traditional Housing Society, one of 37 agencies funded by Homeward Trust that provide housing support programs in Edmonton. The program embraces the principle of Housing Support —Housing Support involves moving people who experience homelessness into independent and permanent housing as quickly as possible, with no preconditions, and then providing them with additional supports and services to maintain that housing—and is designed to provide supports and services that fosters stability and enables participants to maintain their home. 

Brent is one of 13,782 Edmontonians who have been housed through Housing Support and related programs since 2009 (as of Jan. 4, 2022). 

“I’m thankful for the people who helped me get to where I am today.”  

About TELUS Connecting for Good

TELUS is leveraging world-leading technology to create meaningful change, bridge digital divides and ensure equal access to technology for Canadians in need through their Connecting For Good programs. The COVID-19 Emergency Response program is an extension of the TELUS Mobility for Good program, which is available to 20,000 youth aging out of foster care, enabling them to gain their independence and stay connected with a free mobile phone and data plan for two years. The program empowers vulnerable youth with a vital lifeline to the people, information, and opportunities that matter most. The program also supports low-income seniors with getting connected, providing them with access to a discounted smartphone and low-cost plan. 

In addition to Mobility for Good, other programs include:

• Internet for Good, offering high speed broadband internet to qualified low-income families, youth leaving foster care, and in-need people with disabilities, starting at $9.95 per month.

• Health for Good, providing access to primary and mental health care via TELUS mobile health clinics, directly to people in need living on the streets in urban centres across Canada.

• Tech for Good, empowering differently abled Canadians facing challenges using smartphones and tablets with customized training and support to help them live more independently

Learn more: https://www.telus.com/en/about/news-and-events/media-releases/telus-delivering-over-10000-free-mobile-devices-to-help-canadians-stay-connected

The Edmonton John Howard Society is raising awareness of Indigenous Culture by displaying medicine boxes filled with four medicines—tobacco, cedar, sage and sweetgrass—and a description of each of their uses. The idea behind the display was to hang them in high transited areas to bring awareness of the medicines and intended to teach both staff and clients. 

There are 44 display boxes—11 sets—for all of EJHS’ agency programs. We connected with Alejandro Montano, Manager of The Loft at Edmonton John Howard Society (EJHS), to learn more about the boxes. 

What inspired the creation of these displays? 

EJHS’ internal Truth & Reconciliation Committee is always coming up with ways to highlight, raise awareness of, and honour Indigenous Culture throughout our different programs. Having said that, the four Medicines in Indigenous Culture are very important that the committee thought would be appropriate to bring attention to from staff and residents.

What is the Truth and Reconciliation Committee? When was it formed, and why?

EJHS’ internal Truth and Reconciliation Committee was formed in 2019, for the purpose of bringing awareness to Indigenous matters that relate to our agency’s clients and staff. The committee is formed by staff members that work in different EJHS programs. The committee is constantly brainstorming ways in which our agency can be more inclusive and adaptive to the many challenges that Indigenous populations face on a daily basis. Additionally, another purpose of the committee is to evaluate how we can bring change throughout EJHS’ programs, to not only create a positive impact with our clients and staff, but also throughout the rest of the community as a whole. The TRC guides the committee Calls to Action, working to ensure EJHS’s mission, values, and 50-year Business Plan align with the Calls to Action.  

What is the significance of this display? 

The Four Sacred Medicines (Sage, Tobacco, Sweetgrass, Cedar) are displayed in each individual box, matching the corresponding colours of the Medicine Wheel. The inside of the box has a description that highlights the intention/use of each particular medicine according to Indigenous wisdom. EJHS thought it was important to highlight these as they are a big part of Indigenous Culture so that those of us of non-Indigenous heritage can learn and support clients and co-workers better.

What has the reaction been so far with both clients and staff? 

Both clients and staff throughout the agency’s many programs seem to have received the displays well. It seems that both staff and clients alike are learning more about Indigenous Culture.

Any success stories to share? 

Our contracted Indigenous Mentor, who came on with EJHS after these Medicine Boxes went up, has stated she is thrilled to have these visible to all clients and staff. 

Several clients who identify as Indigenous have mentioned that it is great to see the programs highlighting the Medicines as they play an integral role in their culture.

Community partners that visit EJHS programs, such as Alberta Health Services, have stated that the Medicine Boxes are a great idea and that other agencies throughout the city should be creating similar things for their programs.

#YegHousingMonth

Edmonton Housing Month is an annual campaign that aims to raise awareness of the need for and importance of safe, quality, affordable housing in the Capital Region.

Why does Housing Month 2021 matter?

Affordable housing is the foundation for stable, healthy communities. Affordable housing supports people, improves our neighbourhoods and strengthens our economy. Safe, secure, affordable homes give individuals and families the opportunity to build a better life. This is why affordable housing is a top priority for so many organizations throughout the Edmonton region.

See who’s involved >>

Register for a Lunch & Learn today!

Throughout November, the Housing Month working group will be hosting another virtual campaign focused on a series of webinars using a plain-language Lunch and Learn approach. Topics will cover the range of the housing spectrum, focus on timely issues, and provide information on various elements such as Housing Support, Supportive and Affordable Housing, Mental Health, Indigenous and Lived Experience Perspectives, and much more.

#WeCanEndHomelessness Together

Housing helps end homelessness. We can do this together.

What can you do?

Reach out to elected officials. From every level of government, let them know that housing and ending homelessness are very important issues to you, and that you are paying attention to the actions they are taking to address them.

Donate. Help local organizations that are working on the frontlines to end homelessness and provide safe. affordable housing. Organizations like Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, Bissell Centre, Canadian Mental Health Association, GEF Seniors Housing, Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS) could all use your financial support.

Volunteer. Although COVID-19 has had a significant impact on opportunities to volunteer, there are still safe ways to help a number of organizations through Volunteer Alberta. Or reach out directly to Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, Bissell Centre, Canadian Mental Health Association, GEF Seniors Housing, Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS) and see how you can help.

Join the conversation. The need for housing and action on ending homelessness doesn’t end when housing month is over. Raise your voice, share your opinions and help keep the conversation going on social media. Remember to use #YegHousingMonth and #WeCanEndHomelessness when posting to social media.

Vote Housing is a national, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy campaign intended to engage Canadians to pledge to vote for housing in the upcoming federal election and ensure all political parties support making bold investments in affordable housing and ending homelessness.

Read their action plan here: Action Plan For Parliament – Vote Housing.

This campaign is led by the Canadian Lived Experience Leadership Network (CLELN), the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, the Canadian Housing & Renewal Association, and the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada. These partner organizations represent the three leading national housing and homelessness sector organizations. CLELN is Canada’s leading national network for people who have or are experiencing homelessness.

Here are a few ways to support this campaign:

Endorse

An endorsement of this campaign will help ensure that all political parties and other Canadians see the breadth of voices calling for change on housing issues.

Donate

Financial contributions will go towards organizing efforts in communities across the nation. This ensures that all political parties prioritize housing issues for all communities. 

Volunteer

Voting Housing’s volunteer team will be engaging and encouraging Canadians to pledge to Vote Housing. Activities will be organized locally (door knocking, phone calling, events, etc.) as well as virtually to speak up about the importance of ending homelessness and housing need.

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This past year and a half has been full of very complex challenges. In conjunction with a once-in-a-century public health crisis, many communities also witnessed an increase in the number of individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness. However, this has also been a great example of our sector coming together and finding viable solutions in a very difficult situation. Working in partnership we are better able to support individuals as they begin to take steps towards breaking the cycle of poverty, and it also creates more capacity for us to provide something most of us have been able to rely on in this crisis – a stable home where we can be healthy, safe and secure.

We are very confident that we can end homelessness in Canada. We have ended homelessness for thousands of people in our own local community, many with complex needs. This work is part of a much bigger effort; no one agency, community, or government can solve this issue alone. This will require a coordinated effort from community partners across the country, and bold investments in affordable housing and ending homelessness from every level of government.

Pledge to #VoteHousing today!