On Community: Outreach is more than housing
Maple Ridge NewsJan 06, 2020
Housing is the first step in addressing homelessness, but it takes a team of compassionate health care professionals to provide the necessary wrap-around support services to lift people up and out of a difficult situation.
Much of the heavy lifting is accomplished through outreach teams. These frontline workers tirelessly advocate for people who have lost their voice and need assistance in reconnecting with local health care agencies and support services in their community.
They actively support people living in
There are a number of community agencies in
It operates three facilities, offering 150 homes to people who are at risk of homelessness in
Currently, 75 people receive ongoing rent subsidies and supports.
"We support people who have not been housed for many many years, so we're providing them with the life skills to manage a home; this includes things like learning how to pay bills, food shopping on a budget, and learning to live with other people," says
Dewitt explains that
"People request assistance in housing applications, persons with disabilities assistance, and with more frequency, guidance with old age security pensions."
While there are a number of social service agencies available in
Outreach is an essential part of building a healthy community
"It's more than enough to keep us busy," says Peters. "We're happy because some of these files are inactive, but at the same time, we don't want to forget anyone, so we follow up on each file for up to two years."
As a group, members are assisting people who have chronic health issues, are dealing with divorce, unemployment, or financial difficulties related to an injury or disability.
It may also include situations where individuals and families have lost their homes through landlord evictions.
"People we come in contact with have difficulties applying for housing because they often get turned away for not having adequate references, or they don't have identification, or they're unable to provide a credit check because they don't have a bank account," says
Outreach works with landlords to build their trust, she added, providing them with assurances, so they will give clients a chance.
Smith explains the role of outreach is more than just finding a home for people in need, it's also about keeping people housed.
"Each client's lived experience and trauma is unique and requires an individual approach in care and supports."
"It's here where I connected with outreach in
Kendrick explains how
"I honestly don't know where I would be without them," says Kendrick. "I was going through a lot. I was depressed. I'm here today because of outreach services."
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