Long-Term Solutions Needed For Homelessness

The recent cold weather is not just unpleasant, it can be downright dangerous — especially for those without a place to live.

Tony Dickinson, shelter and housing director at Outflow Ministry, says many groups work together to help keep people warm clothed and fed.

Dickinson says their men’s shelter is open for 12 hours every night to help get people off the streets.

“Then there’s a lot of daytime service agencies throughout the city that do a very good job serving men and women who are in need of somewhere warm to go,” said Dickinson said.

Outflow also has five extra beds at its 25-bed shelter which can be used if needed.

Safe, Affordable Housing Is Key

While homelessness is more visible in the winter, Dickinson said it is important for people to realize it is a problem which exists year-round.

He said more long-term solutions are needed to address the issue and the key is safe and affordable housing.

“In some cases, that’s going to be an apartment in independent living … in other cases, it’ll be something with more acute care.”

Dickinson said Outflow has operated a rapid re-housing program for about two years and found housing for four men in December.

They are also part of a larger group of the By-Name List Housing Blitz, which also includes the Coverdale Centre for Women, Fresh Start Services, the Human Development Council, Department of Social Development housing, and Housing Alternatives.

Dickinson said the idea is to quickly house people who are using one of the city’s shelters or sleeping outside.

He said they have been able to house 10 people over the last couple of months and expect to house five more in the coming weeks.