Housing first in Canada

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH

The book also presents eight case studies of Housing First in Canada, exploring not just the results of its implementation, but how different communities made the shift from ‘treatment as usual’ to a new approach.  The book provides a wealth of information for those who want to understand the concept of Housing First and how to move forward with implementation. The good news is that Housing First works and can be applied in any community.

Lethbridge: 

Most people who are experiencing homelessness do not have
furniture or the funds to buy furniture. Lethbridge has created
a furniture bank dedicated solely for Housing First clients.
When first housed they are able to pick out furnishings and
other items to make their house a home at no cost.

Edmonton: 

Addressing Other Housing Related Needs
Most people experiencing homelessness have few personal possessions and generally no furniture, which makes furnishing a home difficult. Inspired by the Toronto Streets to Homes program’s relationship with Furniture Bank, Homeward Trust established FIND, a furniture market that is free for clients. In 2011, FIND became a social enterprise. It continues to serve clients, while also selling furniture to the public and re-investing the proceeds into housing and support programs.

Clients are provided with rental supplements with the goal that they pay no more than 30% of their income on rent. Basic furnishing and supplies are provided, in order to help the person get set up in their new home. (Pg 9)

SOURCE:

Housing First in Canada: Supporting Communities to End Homelessness | The Homeless Hub. (n.d.). Retrieved January 10, 2020, from https://www.homelesshub.ca/HousingFirstCanada

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH

Did you enjoy this article?
Recent Posts

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals offers a well-defined global framework for addressing the most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, Furniture Bank is able to adopt a...

Furniture Bank is dedicated to measuring the impact we create in the lives of those we serve. Our approach aligns with the Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework and the Common Approach to Impact Measurement....

Related Posts

Sunset, Vancouver, BC HomeStart Foundation is a non-profit Christian humanitarian organization helping people re-establish a home. Working in partnership with over 70 member agencies, we give donated home furnishings to people in need....

Big thank you to IKEA Canada! Just before closing their Etobicoke store, we worked together to bring 21 customer returned mattresses to Furniture Bank for immediate reuse. These mattresses went to families so children do not...

3255 Edgemont Boulevard, North Vancouver, BC V7R 2P1 We’re providing furniture and household items to people on the North Shore transitioning from homelessness to independent living....
137, 7007 54th St SE (Bay 26), Calgary, AB T2C 3C2 Women in Need Society (WINS) is an award winning not-for-profit organization and Calgary based shopping alternative investing in the social wellbeing of community....
Division No. 1, Subd. D, NL Home Again Furniture Bank is a nonprofit organization that provides gently-used furniture and household items to individuals and families in need. We work through a referral system of local agencies...
606 Selkirk Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2W 2N1 Oyate Tipi is a non-profit organization located in Winnipeg which accepts donations of gently used household goods and furniture. All items are then distributed to women and children who...
340 Legget Drive Door #53, Kanata, ON K2K 1Y6 Matthew House Ottawa is a faith-based, volunteer-driven, charitable organization that helps Ottawa’s marginalized population to establish connected, safe, healthy, and dignified homes within our community....
25 Connell Ct, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 1E7 Canada's largest operating Furniture Bank. Established in 1998, Furniture Bank is a Toronto based charity and social enterprise that transfers gently used furniture and household goods donated by individuals...

The Star cover stories from former Furniture Bank clients. Read the article below or access The Star’s original post by clicking this link. Furniture Bank makes houses into homes for families in need By TAMAR...

Furniture Bank began in 1998 with the belief that a sense of pride, comfort, and security – in short, a sense of home – are critical ingredients for people to transition out of lives of...

In this guest blog post, Karen Saunders (on the left), RBC Employee and longstanding corporate volunteer, reflects on how volunteer days at Furniture Bank has brought her colleagues closer together, gave her life perspective and...

Sister Anne Schenck would be the first to admit that there was no firm business plan when she first introduced Furniture Bank to Torontonians new and old back in 1996. Inspired by her past experiences...

So what exactly happens to your old sofa after you donate it to Furniture Bank? Let’s just say it goes on the most action packed 48 hour ride of its life. In this post, we’ve...

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals offers a well-defined global framework for addressing the most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, Furniture Bank is able to adopt a...

Furniture Bank is dedicated to measuring the impact we create in the lives of those we serve. Our approach aligns with the Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework and the Common Approach to Impact Measurement....

Are you looking to make the most out of an estate sale? Whether you are a family hoping to downsize, an executor tasked with liquidating assets, or a child responsible for clearing out the home...