to read the Case for Support in pdf - Kerby Centre

Case for Support
“It saved my life.”
-Kerby Rotary Shelter resident

To assist older people to live as well as
possible for as long as possible as
residents in the community.
A happy and healthy older adult population.
Kerby Rotary Shelter opened its doors in 1999, and was the first
purpose built shelter in North America for abused/homeless older
adults. We offer safe, secure shelter to both men and women 55+
who are experiencing abuse, homelessness, or at risk of being
homeless. The Shelter provides crisis intervention, support,
advocacy, referrals, short-term housing, and the necessities of daily
life. Regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation,
or social class, all people have the right to live in a home that meets
their needs and be free from abuse.
Percent of 2012 clients did not
return to a homeless situation
2

$94.48 $2,928.88 $34,485.20
These costs include nutritious food, secure lodging,
transportation, staff support, one-on-one counselling,
access to common areas, use of Kerby Centre programs
and services, and a comfortable bedroom.
3

Shelters can be high capacity, sometimes housing
more than 1200 clients per night. It can be a
frightening, and dangerous situation for
homeless or abused older adults to enter. This
environment can breed hopelessness and
despair.
Older adults have specific needs that cannot be met by high
capacity shelters. Pre-existing health problems can be
aggravated by the large crowds, sleeping conditions, and
meals provided by these shelters.
Older adults are often homeless
because of societal events. Many
face medical issues resulting in
an inability to work and make a
living, breakdown of family
relationships due to death and
divorce, or the inability to afford
rent and food.
When entering the Kerby Rotary Shelter, clients are welcomed into an
environment that is non-threatening, peaceful, and home-like. This is the ideal
environment in which older adults can come to terms with their past, and
move towards a more prosperous future.
4

What will happen if Kerby
Rotary Shelter does not receive
immediate funding for our
beds
Nights homeless older adults
will spend sleeping in fear.
Calls for help through our crisis
line that will be left unanswered.
Cases of homelessness we
will be forced to turn away.
Homeless older adults who will have
to be discharged from our facility.
Number of beds that
will be forced to close
Number of homeless older adults
we will be able to help without
immediate funding.
5

My wife and I cannot speak highly enough of the Kerby Centre. We
were welcomed by the staff members and pleasantly surprised by the
comfortable surroundings. We were impressed with the security they
have in place. The staff are very friendly and go out of their way to see
that our needs are met. During the week days a hot lunch is supplied
and we had access to the kitchen to make our own breakfast and
supper. This is a safe and very private place to be in. A good place for
rest and renewal. - Resident
“Kerby Rotary House is a life saver” - Resident
Although, Malcolm, 74 had minimal English skills, he recently came to Canada with hopes of
settling into a quiet and peaceful retirement. His dream soon diminished as he was unable
to secure employment or housing, and was forced to live on the streets often fearing for his
safety and health. Upon arrival at the Kerby Rotary Shelter, Malcolm embraced the calm
setting, the supportive and nurturing guidance of the shelter staff, and soon created a
strong circle to meet his needs as an older adult. Today Malcolm enjoys safe, affordable
housing, living out his retirement. –Shelter Staff
“You have no idea how thankful the people who end up in our beds are.” - Resident
This past Easter, one of the shelter residents took the initiative to bring all those housed in
the shelter together to share in a meal. A local grocer was approached with this selfless
appeal which moved him to provide all that was needed for 14 residents to enjoy in a feast.
Everyone pitched in and took part in the preparation. As they ate dinner together, sharing
in laughter and stories, for this moment in time, they were a family. – Shelter Staff
“Thank God there is the Kerby Rotary Shelter to give a home, friendship,
and caring to all their clients.” – Resident
6

Crisis intervention, protection, practical assistance
and information, one-on-one counselling, individual
referral to and liaison with community resources
including legal and advocacy support, food, shelter,
clothing, personal incidentals, referrals and
transportation to emergency medical and dental
care.
Since 2006, our crisis line has received 5914 calls. In 2012, the crisis
line received 1,156 calls. The crisis line is a 24 hour service that is
answered by trained professional staff. Older adults, family,
community members, and the general public call this line to get
urgent help, find information, and be connected with the Elder
Abuse Response Team if needed.
Kerby Rotary Shelter’s trained counsellors provide one-on-one sessions that
allow potential residents to assess their current realities, and explore all
options for moving forward. All residents are encouraged to utilize the
integral services provided through Kerby Centre, to assist them in creating a
plan that will restore their self-confidence for re-entering the community.
7

First purpose built shelter in North America for older
adults facing abuse and homelessness.
There are only two shelters in Alberta dedicated to older adults.
Where most shelters provide only a bagged lunch and mat to sleep on
overnight, Kerby Rotary Shelter offers a multitude of services which support
and engage the individual in rebuilding a healthy life.
Clients are connected with community resources and receive the support
they need in order to break the cycle of homelessness and abuse.
Kerby Rotary Shelter is dedicated to providing a
holistic approach to its services.
Average stay is 77 days (approximately 2.6 months)
After a resident has left the Shelter, they are encouraged to attend our
‘Sharing Circle’, which is a facilitated support group.
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9
Percent of clients were homeless
Percent of homeless clients are female
Number of Kerby Rotary
Shelter clients this year
Percent occupancy for 2012
Number of homeless older adults
turned away due to full occupancy
Number of beds filled

Kerby Rotary Shelter
Kerby Centre
1133 7 Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2P 1B2
Visit us at
www.kerbycentre.com
www.kerbycentre.com/calgary-adult-services/shelter/
Facebook “Kerby Centre for the 55+”
Twitter (@kerbycentre)
Luanne Whitmarsh, RSW, CPCA
Chief Executive Officer
403-705-3251
luannew@kerbycentre.com
Charitable Registration Number 11897 9947 RR0001 10