Yellowknife Homelessness Report Card 2008 - YWCA Canada

Spring 2009Yellowknife HomelessnessReport Card 2008Yellowknife Homelessness Coalition Vision:“A community where nobody is homeless or marginalized.”936 people stayed in anemergency shelter at somepoint in 2008This is the first Report Card on Homelessness in Yellowknife. Report Cards help create understanding andmeasure progress over time against defined criteria. Since this is Yellowknife’s first Report Card, it will presenta profile of homelessness in the city and introduce many organizations that work to reduce the impact ofhomelessness here. Future progress in Yellowknife may be measured using the indicators in the table belowalong with other indicators as data collection systems are developed. The Current SituationHomelessness Indicators 2008Number of individuals who stayed in a shelter 936 *(1)Number of times shelter beds were used 67,340Length of stay in emergency shelters# of Days 1-30 31-120 121-180 181+ TotalSingle Men 287 82 11 14 394Single Women 145 39 11 5 200Youth* (2) 0-18 24 4 0 0 28Youth* (2) 19-25 11 4 0 0 15Families* (3) 67 55 12 27 161Housing IndicatorsNumber of public & subsidized housing units 541Number of accessible public housing units 30Number of supportive living units 6Number of clients: supportive living service 33Number of clients on supportive living waitlist 26Rental vacancy rate (October 2008) 0.7%Households overspending on shelter (>30%)* (4) 34%Average rent:1-bedroom apartment (Oct 2008) $1,178Income IndicatorsMinimum wage (October 2008) $8.25Increase: Consumer Price Index (Oct. 2007-8) 4.7 %* (1) includes all individuals from AMH, CNF, SA, SD and YWCA transitional housing* (2) only youth from the SideDoor* (3) families in Alison McAteer House, Emergency Housing and Transitional Housing* (4) see page 11 for further detailsWhat is absolute or visiblehomelessness? Living on the street Staying overnight intemporary shelters Staying in places not meantfor human habitationWho is “at risk ofhomelessness”?It could be you.See the risks insideon pages 3, 10 and 11.What is the HousingContinuum?The Housing Continuum is ascale of independent living. Itranges from emergencyshelters to private housing.See details inside...

... Factors and ForcesFactors & ForcesSpecific Characteristics intheSpecificNorthCharacteristics that ContributeintoHomelessnessthe North that Contribute toHomelessnessRemote geography Remote geographyHarsh climate Harsh climateHigh cost of living High cost of livingHigh rates of social issues such High rates as addictions, of social issuesdomestic such as addictions,violence andintergenerationaldomestic violence anddependency intergenerationalincomesupportdependency on incomesupportUnderdeveloped infrastructureUnderdevelopedinfrastructureInability to access market housing Inability to access markethousingSmall population base Small population baseLack of accessible and affordable Lack of accessible transportation andsystemsaffordable betweentransportationcommunitiessystems betweencommunitiesHigh cost of labour and materials High cost needed of labour to andincreasematerials housingneeded stocktoincrease housing stockCross-territorial migration withCross-territorial minimal fundingmigrationtosupply with minimal adequate funding social tohousingsupply adequate and othersocialservicesto housing migrants and other servicesto migrantsCultural transformations and Cultural urbanization transformationsand urbanizationHomelessness is oftenHomelessness associated with is family oftenviolence associated and substance with familyuse.violence Help to put an end toand substance use.substance Help to put use an and end family tosubstance violence onuse theand streetsfamilyviolence and in on homes! the streetsand in homes!General ConsiderationsGeneral ConsiderationsThe number of homeless peopleThe number can beof difficulthomelesstodetermine people can as be they difficult can to“couch determine surf” as amongst they cannetworks“couch surf” of friendsamongstnetworks of friendsCouch surfing can make people, Couch surfing especially can youth, makeextremely people, especially vulnerable youth,topredatorsextremely aroundvulnerable toinvolvement predators aroundin criminalactivityinvolvement suchin ascriminaltheft, sextrade activity or such drug as trade theft, sextrade or drug tradeSchool drop out rates in the School NWT aredrop highout andrates youthin thecanNWT endare uphigh in lowand payingyouthjobs can end up in low payingjobsSome homeless people have Some witnessed homeless or peopleexperiencedhave witnessed horrificorviolence experienced and horrifictraumaviolence and traumaMen and women can have underlying Men and women addictions can haveunderlying and/or mentaladdictionshealth issuesthatand/or canmental exacerbatehealth theirissuesinabilitythat can toexacerbate find, securetheirandkeep inability permanent to find, secure andresidence keep a permanentresidenceSome people have gone throughSome people the criminalhave gonejusticesystem through the criminal justicesystemHomelessness can be cyclical, Homelessness continuous, can bespontaneous,cyclical, continuous,incidental, oroncespontaneous, in lifetimeincidental, oronce in a lifetimeOften families are not on the Often radar families screen are in not ondiscussionsthe radar screen aboutinhomelessnessdiscussions abouthomelessnessHomelessness is not all about lack of housing stockHomelessness is not all about lack of housing stockHomeless PopulationHomeless PopulationThe homeless population isdiverse.The homeless population isdiverse.Often people stay at sheltersasOften lastpeople resort.stay Othersat shelterscanbecome as a last dependent. resort. Others canbecome dependent.For many people, there is realshame, For many people people, hide there behind is realit,areshame, silentpeople abouthide it. Theybehind haveit,faced are silent rejection about throughout it. They havetheirfaced livesrejection and arethroughoutoftenmarginalized their lives and or are judged oftenbecause marginalized of their or judgedhomelessness.because of theirhomelessness.Some people are resourcefuland Some know people how are to access resourcefuland servicesknow withinhow to theaccesscommunity.Othersservices arewithin unawarethe community.of theservices Others are that unaware exist. of theservices that exist.Photo by Jiri HermannPhoto by Jiri Hermann3

Yellowknife Shelter Agencies, Organizations ...Shelter FacilitiesEmergencyTransitional HousingThe Homelessness Coalition’s Forum inMarch 2008 helped to provide communitymembers with information aboutagencies in Yellowknife.Agencies/Shelter Support ProgramsYellowknife organizations also provide extensive programming.Examples include, but are not limited to:Agency Shelter Support Programs• Community advocacyCentre for NorthernEmergency shelterprogramFamilies (CNF)for single women• Daycare within facility• After school programEmergency drop-inSideDoor (SD)• Evening drop-in centercenter for youth• Overnight drop-inEmergency shelter• Lunch and supper forfor single menmen and women• WithdrawalThe Salvation ArmyManagement Services(SA)• Foot care, sockBailey Houseexchangetransitional home for• Community drop-inmen (BH)medical clinicAlison McAteerHouse for women• Crisis supportand children of family• Life skills support,violence (AMH)including tenancyskillsYWCA Yellowknife• Source of householdRockhill Emergencyitems, includingand TransitionclothingHousing for families(RH)Examples of RelatedNon-governmentalOrganizations (NGOS) Aurora Oxford Foundation Canadian Mental HealthAssociation Food Bank Food Rescue Healing Drum Society John Howard Society Literacy Council Native Women’sAssociation NWT Council of Personswith Disabilities Religious Organizations Tree of PeaceFriendship Centre Wellness Coalition:Community ServicePatrol and Citizens onPatrol (“COPS”) Women’s Society Yellowknife CommunityFoundationInstability of funding has intangible and tangible effects 4

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... Transitional Home for MenFacilitiesThe ground floor consists ofadministrative offices, aprograms/board room, laundryfacilities and a large room currentlybeing used as a Thrift store.The second and third floors host 32rooms: 16 bachelor suites and 16bed-sit rooms which share acommon kitchen and lounge.In-house supports are in place toassist these men while they create,commit to and follow a personaldevelopment plan. A goal of theseplans is to reduce the physical,emotional, social and spiritualbarriers that may be keeping themen from succeeding in independentliving scenarios.Tenants can take time to stabilize,adjust to work, and develop healthyroutines and habits during their timein Bailey House. When appropriate,tenants can access housing on theirown with minimal support.Many Yellowknife residents dedicated theirMany Yellowknife residents dedicated theirtimetimeandandskillsskillstotocreatingcreatinguniqueuniquequiltsquiltsforforeacheachresidentresidentofofBaileyBaileyHouse.House.Celebrations & OpeningThe development of the Bailey Housewas marked with memorablecelebrations.Governor General Michaëlle Jeanattended in Yellowknife in June 2006for a sod-turning ceremony. MayorVan Tighem received a thank youletter from the Governor Generalextending her gratitude to thecommunity for a warm welcome. Inher letter, she noted that root causesof homelessness can vary from oneregion to the next. She commendedthe community for assessing theneeds of the community and initiatingprojects such as Bailey House.The official opening ceremony ofBailey House took place onDecember 12, 2008. Over 100members of the community gatheredto celebrate the occasion and tounveil the official plaque. Specialguests included Mr. Ernie Bailey, sonof the late Reverend Gordon andRuth Bailey, as well as ReginaldBailey and his wife Gwyn, nephew toGordon and Ruth Bailey. Stew andbannock were provided.Perhaps the best celebration waswhen men started to move into theirhomes in February 2009. This was amoment when the doors and windowstruly opened. “The Bailey House is a very good placeto be because it keeps you going for whatyou want and there’s always someone totalk to when you are down or thinkingabout doing something stupid.”“Being released from NSCC and goingthrough a divorce I really didn’t knowwhat I was going to do. The BaileyHouse was just opening up and WOW!What a blessing! It is a secureenvironment. The staff are just greatwhen you need someone to talk to. I amlearning to cook for myself andbecoming more independent each day.I am so happy that day by day my life is,for the first time, healthy and above allelse filled with happiness.” Built by the community, for the community, from the ground up 7

Shelters ...Client Shelter StaysShelter Use by Age RangeFamiliesFamiliesThe YWCA Rockhill Housingprogram The YWCA incorporates Rockhill Housingstays of upto program twelve incorporates months as part stays of their of upto transitional twelve months housing, as part but up of theirto threemonths transitional for emergency housing, but housing up to threemonths for emergency housingResidents at Alison McAteer houseare Residents permitted at Alison to stay McAteer longer than housesix are weeks permitted only to after stay consultation longer thansix with weeks management. only after Many consultationwomenand with children management. fleeing Many abuse womenmustqualify and children for government fleeing abuse subsidized musthousing qualify for to government access public subsidizedhousing.housing to access public housing.Single Men and WomenSingle Men and WomenThere are no limits to the lengthof There stays are at no emergency limits to the shelters lengthforsingle of stays men at emergency (SA) and women shelters for(CNF) single men with some (SA) and individuals womenhaving (CNF) with resided some there individualsfor years,Youth: 16 ~ 19 yearscontinuously having resided or there intermittently. for years,Youth: 16 ~ 19 yearscontinuously or intermittently.Youth between the ages of 16 and 19 are in a transitional stage ofPerceptions in the community aretheir Youth lives. between During the this ages time of period, 16 and youth 19 are have in a transitional options and stage choices, ofvaried Perceptions and often in the divided community areincluding their lives. staying During in this school, time period, working youth or seeking have options the assistance and choices,thatregarding varied and the often use dividedof shelters.is including available staying the in community. school, working Youth or who seeking do not the pursue assistance these thatSome regarding people the believe use of shelters.options is available can in be the vulnerable. community. Shelters Youth for who single do not men pursue and women theseareshould Some people accept believe people, sheltersincludingfor options adults can only. be vulnerable. The SideDoor Shelters is not for a shelter, single men but an and overnight women arethose should using accept substances, people, includingon androp-in for adults centre only. for The youth. SideDoor is not a shelter, but an overnightongoing those using basis. substances, Other people on androp-in centre for youth.believe ongoing there basis. is Other some enabling peopleShelter Alternatives? Affording Affordable Housing?and believe improper there is use some of emergency enablingShelter Alternatives? Affording Affordable Housing?shelters. and improper Solutions use of are emergencydifficult asSingle men, women, and youth can have limited options regardingthere shelters. can Solutions be a gap in are the difficult system: asaffordable Single men, accommodation. women, and youth With can minimum have limited wages options of $8.25 regardingbeforethere are can few be a places gap in for the system:tax affordable and a one-bedroom accommodation. apartment With minimum costing on wages average of $8.25 $1,178 beforeoneinebriated there are few men places and women fortowould tax and have a one-bedroom to work a minimum apartment of 36 costing hours on a week average just $1,178 for onestay. inebriated Without men these and women shelters, tothisaccommodation. would have to work One a minimum would have of 36 to hours earn $24.55 a week an just hour fororpopulation stay. Without group these can shelters, be at risk. thisaccommodation. $47,000 a year to One meet would the affordable have to earn housing $24.55 limit an of hour 30%. orSeepopulation group can be at risk.$47,000 pages 1 0a and year 1 1to for meet information the affordable about housing limit in Yellowknife. of 30%. See pages 10 and 11for information about housing in Yellowknife.Men and women can end up living long-term in emergency shelters, reducingtheMen availabilityand women ofcan shelterend spaceup living forlong-term emergencyin purposesemergency shelters, reducingthe availability of shelter space for emergency purposes 8

... & Related Community ServicesMeals & FoodThe Salvation Army provideslunch and dinner to anyone inYellowknife 7 days a week.Meals are also provided at theCentre for Northern Famlies forwomen. Supporting theseorganizations are numerouscitizens who donate food andother needed items.The Yellowknife Food Bankoperates through dedicatedvolunteers who give up theirSaturday mornings and timeduring the week to help providefood to those in need.Approximately 130 bags of foodare provided to individuals andfamilies on any given Saturdaymorning.Food Rescue is a new volunteerprogram that supplies fooddonated by local businesses toservice providers in YK. Food isdelivered through the labourintensive efforts of Ruby & LaurinTrudel and other volunteers. FoodRescue helps to reduce foodcosts at YK organizations &provides nourishment to citizens.Health ServicesSeveral organizations providemedical services to the homeless.Drop-in medical clinics areavailable once a week at theCentre for Northern Families aswell as The Salvation Army.Dental Services are availablethroughout the city. Mental HealthServices can be accessed throughHealth and Social Services andother community organizations.Stanton Regional Hospital plays akey role in keeping people in ourcommunity healthy.Non-sheltering Agencies,Businesses & IndividualsNumerous non-shelteringorganizations, businesses andindividuals within the City help toprovide shelter and assistance tothe homeless on a day to daybasis. Many people go out oftheir way to help out where theycan, sometimes withoutappreciation or understanding bythe homeless of these donationsand efforts. Thank you for yourcontributions Yellowknife!The TheSalvation SalvationArmyArmyYWCA YWCARockhill RockhillHousing HousingProgramProgramRCMP AdmissionsSubstance Use in the NorthThe RCMP admissions forintoxicated related cases are notincluded in the homelessnessstatistics on the front page of thisreport. This is due in part to thefact that not all of the cases dealwith people who are homeless.However, some of the people arehomeless and would otherwise bestaying in shelters. Some chronicusers of substances repeatedlyalternate between Yellowknifeshelters and the RCMP. Totalannual nightly admissions to theRCMP for 2008 were 5,219.The RCMP, FireDepartment/Medics and StantonRegional Hospital spend anextraordinary amount of timeattending to individuals who haveused substances. The Coroner’soffice reports alcohol-relateddeaths and this number has beensignificant over the years. Whilesubstance use is not alwaysconnected to homelessness,often it is a key factor. Do wehave a substance use problem inthe north? If yes, what shouldwe do about it?Centre Centrefor forNorthern NorthernFamiliesFamiliesThe The SideDoorIt’s likely not all about lack of funding or insufficient resources. How canunderstanding, gratitude and accountability reduce homelessness?9

... for a Place to Call Home in YellowknifeYellowknife - Average Apartment Rent Rent levels increase in 2008 Affordable RentSource: CMHC,Source: CMHC,Source: CMHC,Overspending: AffordableHousingCMHC and organizations in othercountries define affordablehousing as “housing that costs nomore than 30% of gross income”.Exceeding 30% of gross incomefor shelter places a burden onindividuals and families to meetbasic living expenses such as rent,food, transportation and clothes.As people earn more income, thelikelihood of overspendingdecreases (middle left). This trendis not surprising given a decreasein the availability of low-pricedhomes (previous page), increasedrents (top left) and a decrease inthe number of public housing units(bottom left).An Ounce of PreventionSource: CMHC,Source: CMHC,Source: CMHC,Public Housing UnitsIt can be far better to prevent theloss of housing from occurringthan to try to fix it afterwards.Early education and skillsdevelopment can provideunderstanding and createoptions regarding employmentand places to live.Healthy social connections,positive coping skills, financialstability and feelings of safetycan help people achieve andmaintain permanent housing andindependence.Financial management and life skills can help prevent homelessness11

What can YOU do?1. Educate yourself and others about the problem of homelessness~ Creative Change ~2. Volunteer your time to work directly with people experiencingFood Rescuehomelessness or organizations at the administration endVolunteer Program3. Advocate on behalf of people who are homeless andorganizations that work with people who are homeless4. Contribute financially to organizations that work to endhomelessness5. Become aware of the language you use and ensure that yourlanguage is appropriate in the circumstances, consider if yourcommunication is based on understanding, rather thanjudgement6. Beaware of and help change attitudes about homelessnessamong your friends, family and people within the community toRuby and Laurin Trudel of Yellowknife puttheir ideas into action starting in 2008.help reduce NIMBY (“not in my backyard”) reactionsFood Rescue provides donated food tovarious organizations in Yellowknife.7. Be inclusive and promote inclusive communities8. Plan for unexpected circumstances, participate in financialmanagement and life skills development9. Inquire - ask questions of your community to encouragepositive development at the individual and community levels“The world we havecreated today as the10. Participate in the collection of sound data so that problems canbe identified and solutions proposedresult of our thinkingthus far has11. Becreative in identifying solutionsproblems which12. Say “No” to family violencecannot be resolved13. Encourage support for mental health and addictionsby thinking the way14. Minimize substance use in our communitywe thought when we15. Help to reduce homelessness, not just manage itcreated them.”Albert EinsteinSHARE IDEAS IMPLEMENT IDEAS!Many agencies and their dedicated staff assist homeless individuals and families on aregular basis. However, the elimination of homelessness requires the cooperation of theentire community, including all levels of government, local businesses and the homeless.This first Report Card on Homelessness in Yellowknife is an opportunity to inform thecommunity about homelessness in Yellowknife.Production of this report was funded by the Government of Canada's Homelessness PartneringStrategy. Thank you to community members who helped to collect the data presented in thisreport. While this report card was produced in association, it cannot reflect the views of allCoalition members.For further information or to become involved, please contact The Yellowknife HomelessnessCoalition at homelessness@yellowknife.ca or (867) 669-3409.Community cooperation and strategic thinking… along the Continuum12