New Programs Help People Avoid Homeless Shelters in Ottawa

By Newsroom | Ottawa, Social Issues |

Recent initiatives in Ottawa aim to reduce the number of individuals entering homeless shelters by offering support that keeps them from needing to use those services. These programs, often referred to as "shelter diversion," focus on addressing immediate needs and finding alternative, stable housing solutions for people experiencing homelessness.

Understanding Shelter Diversion

Shelter diversion is a strategy designed to prevent individuals from entering the homeless shelter system. The core belief is that for some, shelters can become a difficult environment to exit. By intervening early, these programs seek to connect people with the resources and support necessary to find housing or other stable living arrangements outside of a traditional shelter.

Key Components of Diversion Programs:

  • Needs Assessment: Case managers work with individuals to understand their specific circumstances and immediate needs.

  • Alternative Housing Solutions: This can involve helping individuals reconnect with family or friends, finding temporary hotel accommodations, or securing more permanent housing options.

  • Ongoing Support: For those not immediately placed in housing, diversion programs often continue to offer support for a set period, typically around 30 days, to ensure stability.

Program Implementation and Outcomes

Two prominent examples of shelter diversion in Ottawa include programs at the Shepherds of Good Hope and the Youth Services Bureau Ottawa. Both have reported notable success rates in diverting individuals from shelter entry.

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  • Youth Services Bureau Ottawa: Launched its shelter diversion program in June of last year.

  • Reported Diversion Rate: Achieved a 21% diversion rate.

  • First-Time Shelter Seekers: The diversion rate increased to 28% for individuals seeking shelter for the first time.

  • Shepherds of Good Hope: This organization has continued its shelter diversion program, demonstrating sustained efforts in this area.

  • Extended Support: When immediate alternative housing was not found, diversion case managers continued to assist individuals for up to 30 days.

The Broader Context of Homelessness Solutions

These diversion programs operate within a larger discussion about addressing homelessness in Ottawa. Experts and advocates highlight the fundamental importance of housing as a critical factor in an individual's well-being.

Housing-Focused Strategies:

  • Supportive Housing: This model provides housing with integrated support services, often including micro-suites (small units with a bedroom and kitchenette). Such options exist across Ottawa.

  • Transitional Housing: Serves as a bridge between emergency shelters and permanent housing, assisting individuals in moving from crisis to stability.

  • Awareness and Action: Personal stories of navigating homelessness, such as that of Claude Lurette, aim to increase public awareness and encourage action. Lurette, who was living out of his car, expressed a desire for programs that could assist individuals like himself, even as winter approached.

Insights from Lived Experience

Personal accounts underscore the complex realities of homelessness and the need for empathetic approaches. Navigating systems designed to help can, at times, be an arduous and impersonal process, reinforcing the value of programs that prioritize individualized support.

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  • Focus on Individual Needs: One account highlighted a situation where, despite seeking help for a child, the focus was not on the child's immediate needs but on legal processes.

  • Need for Comprehensive Support: This situation pointed to the necessity for services that address addiction and mental health alongside housing, such as methadone treatment and addiction counselling.

Conclusion

Shelter diversion programs represent a targeted approach to reducing immediate pressure on emergency shelter systems while offering alternative pathways to stability for those experiencing homelessness. The reported success rates from the Shepherds of Good Hope and Youth Services Bureau Ottawa suggest these initiatives are a valuable component of a multi-faceted strategy to address homelessness. Alongside diversion, the continued development of supportive and transitional housing, coupled with increased awareness and empathetic intervention, are crucial for comprehensive solutions.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is shelter diversion?
It's a plan to help people find a home or other place to stay so they don't need to go to a homeless shelter.
Q: Do these programs work?
Yes, programs in Ottawa have helped many people. One program helped 21% of people find other housing.
Q: What kind of help do these programs give?
They help people find places to live, sometimes with family or friends, or in hotels. They also offer support for about 30 days.
Q: Are there other ways to help the homeless?
Yes, Ottawa also has places called supportive housing and transitional housing to help people find stable homes.