MAKING A DIFFERENCE
More than 3,000 of our fellow citizens are unsure where their heads might find a pillow tonight. Some are wandering the streets as you read this, thinking about which shelter will have room for them on this chilly spring night.
Others are hidden from view. They are the families huddling in church basements. Vulnerable women surfing from couch to couch. Seniors who can’t afford a room of their own. People from all age groups who’ve suffered discrimination, economic hardship, personal crisis, health problems, mental illness or addiction.
They all represent Calgary’s homeless population. And, if we don’t come together to help them, the problem will only get worse.
The Resolve Campaign offers all of us, as Calgarians, a chance to unite and an opportunity to make our city a better place for everyone.
Nine social agencies — along with business, community and government leaders — are collaborating under the Resolve banner to create affordable housing for 3,000 vulnerable citizens. The active fundraising for the campaign ends today, but pledges can continue to be made until March 31, 2021, meaning there’s still time to make a difference.
Resolve began making its difference about six years ago, with a focus on “housing first.” By ensuring vulnerable people first get shelter, Resolve agencies are then able to better provide health and social supports that address the problems that initially led to homelessness.
Having a place to hang one’s hat is vital if the intent is to deal with the issues that cause homelessness and break the cycle.
The Resolve Campaign has already smashed through the barriers that were keeping thousands of people from finding affordable housing. It has raised millions of dollars, which has allowed member agencies to retire mortgages, purchase a building, start construction projects and plan hundreds of additional affordable housing units. More work, however, remains.
Homelessness isn’t just a problem for those without shelter. It’s a problem for all of us.
A high-needs homeless individual can cost the health, social and justice systems $55,000 a year. It’s a cost we all share. But once in a housing-first situation, the cost of supports for that person drops by $34,000. It also leads to a reduction in police interactions by 72 per cent, incarcerations by 84 per cent and hospital stays by 71 per cent.
Economic reasons aside, it’s also worth remembering that we’re talking about people, not just statistics. Ensuring everyone has a roof over their head is the right thing to do. A home provides a safe haven, a place to feel secure, to heal and to rest. It provides dignity.
And every citizen deserves that.