Talking Social Inequalities around Addiction

The observance of World Social Justice Day offers us a chance to reflect on the institutional inequalities that prevent people from accessing basic needs like food, water and housing, and to look back on the hard work of previous generations of activists that got us where we are today. For Alpha House, working with individuals experiencing active addiction, we see firsthand some of the barriers and inequities that they face. We also see the pushback attached to efforts to challenge these inequities. Public sympathy for addiction is low and drug policy often lags behind the needs of the population we serve. Globally, we are facing unprecedented challenges related to social inequalities and overall economic wellbeing particularly for already stigmatized and underserved populations. Today we’re focusing on the history and current situation around harm reduction and how it has worked to bring those struggling with addiction towards improved wellbeing.

Harm Reduction formed as a result of grassroots advocacy among communities of people who have used drugs or know someone who is/has experienced challenges with substance use, and is a movement that has been foundational to Alpha House’s work in the community.

Harm Reduction found its roots in the latter half of the 1900s. The modern harm reduction movement started in the 1980s as a response to the HIV-AIDS crisis, most often attributed to the needle exchange programs put in place to mitigate the spread of disease during that time. These needle exchange programs weren’t always government supported, rather, the public took it upon themselves to create safe injection sites to tackle the situation while the government lagged behind in policy. Despite the lack of support from policymakers and law enforcement, needle exchange programs demonstrated the benefits it would bring to the public’s health, and were the stepping stones for many amazing programs we have today.

Alpha House also found its footing in the 1980s, with our shelter and detox services opening in 1982 as a pivotal innovation for street-involved individuals publicly experiencing addictions to alcohol or other drugs. Our agency began as, and continues to be, a safe and caring environment for individuals experiencing homelessness and active addiction, offering the community an alternative to criminal justice and law enforcement practices like holding cells.

Harm Reduction Practices

North America’s first legal supervised consumption site, Insite, opened in Downtown’s Vancouver’s Eastside in 2003 in response to drug prevalence increasing across the country and, following the success of Insite, Supervised Consumption Sites (SCS) began opening in cities like Calgary, Toronto, and Edmonton across Canada. Supervised consumption sites not only prevent overdoses, but act as a point of connection for caseworkers to connect with clients on key points like housing, healthcare, and addiction treatment services.

In 2005, 2 years after Insite opened in Downtown Vancouver, Alpha House launched our pilot program, the DOAP (Downtown Outreach Addiction Partnership) Team (now known as the HELP Team), a 24/7 outreach program dedicated to assisting the unhoused population in Calgary who are in active addiction. Working closely with Emergency Medical Services and the Calgary Police Service to reduce unnecessary and inappropriate uses of emergency systems, and to connect individuals with the programs and services that they need to improve their well-being. A Social Return on Investment (SROI) study was conducted in 2013 and found that for every dollar invested into this program, there is a social return of $9.43.

Around this time, harm reduction supply also became more widespread in an attempt to reduce disease related to substance use. Easier access to supplies like sterile needles, bubbles, and stems reduce the risk of overdose, infections, and bloodborne disease for individuals who would have already engaged in substance use with supplies that would have already been used or unsanitary due to other reasons.

Despite the improvements seen since the inception of safe consumption sites, they still remain highly contested and debated to this day. Alberta and Ontario are among the provinces that report the highest number of opioid-related deaths, highlighting the need for advocacy and policy change in this space.

Safe Supply and Decriminalization

As the drug crisis continued to spiral in North America, another harm reduction strategy entered the conversation. Safe supply programs were introduced to provide regulated alternatives to street drugs, thereby reducing overdose deaths in the community. Safe supply programs generally operated through clinics, pharmacies, and community health organizations and offered prescription drugs like hydromorphone to those at a high risk of overdose. Providing a safer alternative to unregulated street drugs, safe supply programs have shown, through research, that individuals that make use of these programs experience fewer hospitalizations, reduced involvement in the criminal justice system, and an overall improvement in their wellbeing.

The distribution of naloxone kits also started to pick up steam— a life saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses, which has now become readily available through pharmacies, outreach programs, and emergency services. Being able to hand out naloxone proactively to those who might experience or witness an overdose was a major milestone in the sector.

Decades of advocacy against the criminalization of drugs takes us to 2023, where British Columbia launched a three-year pilot program that temporarily decriminalizes small amounts of select illicit drugs in an attempt to shift the focus from punishment to support, a milestone that many advocates in the sector have fought for[1].

Where We Are Today

Despite the progress we’ve seen in harm reduction advocacy over the last half-century, there are still challenges to overcome. Fentanyl entered Canada’s illicit drug market in the early 2010s, a synthetic opioid, promising effects up to 100 times that of other opioids like morphine or heroin[2]. Based on numbers from January 2024 – June 2024, most accidental apparent opioid toxicity deaths involved fentanyl at 79%, with 21 deaths per day on average[3]. Some of the factors that play into the current drug crisis in Canada:

• Due to its high potency, even small amounts of this drug can prove fatal; illicit drug dealers have taken to mixing in Fentanyl into other substances like heroin to “increase the effects”, thereby contaminating the drug supply and causing many fatalities as a result.
• Extended use of opioids, like fentanyl, can lead to an individual developing tolerance, meaning a higher and/or more frequent dose is required to feel the same effects. Stopping the use of opioids results in the individual’s tolerance for the drug to drop rapidly, meaning that taking a similar dosage to what was previously used can prove to be fatal.
• Stigma towards substance use disorders only exacerbates the problem, discouraging substance users from seeking help and being open about their ongoing addiction challenges.

From the late 2000’s to now, Alpha House has focused on strengthening our housing and outreach programs to recognize some of the main gaps in reducing homelessness, helping individuals manage and overcome addiction, and increasing social equity for historically underserved or highly stigmatized populations. We’ve:

• Opened 7 Supportive Housing buildings, operating 161 housing units for individuals exiting homelessness and looking to find long-term stability
• Piloted a Scattered-Site housing program which now manages 180 market rental units for low acuity individuals
• Launched a Needle Response team that works to clean up needle debris around the city, supporting safe and clean communities while reducing stigma around public substance use
• Expanded the Encampment program to provide rapid response to unhoused individuals who lack emergency shelter access

All of our programs and services strive to work within harm reduction practices and, subsequently, housing first, building off of all of the hard work and advocacy done in the past to bring these ideas to the forefront of the sector. According to the National Harm Reduction Coalition, harm reduction is a flexible practice where interventions and policies are designed to match individual and community needs, meaning that there is no universal definition for harm reduction, however, there are core tenants that guide any harm reduction practices:

• Patient Centered Care
• Judgment Free Care
• Sharing the Voices of Those with Lived Experience
• Advocacy

These core tenants are inherently linked with advocacy and support for equity deserving groups, providing compassionate supports for individuals who need it and advocating for systematic change for current and future generations. Instead of punishing those struggling with substance use, harm reduction seeks to support them in improving their wellbeing while respecting their rights as an individual to make their own choices. In an ideal world, following the tenants of harm reduction, individuals would not be denied supports like housing, financial help, and healthcare due to their substance use or housing status.

For homeless serving agencies, like Alpha House, harm reduction is a philosophy that shapes how our services are delivered. At our core, we look to create opportunities for our clients to engage with healthcare and mental health supports with the end goal of stable housing. Harm reduction can continue to evolve to meet the everchanging needs of modern-day society, but we as a population, policymakers, and law enforcement have to be willing to adapt in a way where we can fill these gaps in the system and support our most vulnerable. Further work is needed to address the contaminated drug supply, lack of housing, and the lack of access to appropriate services and supports for individuals in active addiction before we can see this crisis managed.

 

[1] https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-20336-9#:~:text=Background,g%20of%20select%20illicit%20drugs.

[2] https://myhealth.alberta.ca/alberta/pages/fentanyl-frequently-asked-questions.aspx

[3] https://health-infobase.canada.ca/substance-related-harms/opioids-stimulants/

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about” – Margaret J. Wheatley

Here’s the deal, Calgary – we love community engagement – it is one of the best ways to feel more connected to where you live and find like minded people, make friends, and to make a difference in your city. Global Community Engagement Day aims to create awareness of individuals working collaboratively to address ideas and issues within the community, making this world a much better place for everyone!

Alpha House’s main areas of focus are

• Reducing homelessness
• Supporting programs and policies that protect and help individuals struggling with addiction
• Improving access to cultural supports
• Improving access to mental health supports

If you want to get more involved but you don’t know where to start – here are our top 5 tips for you

1. Do some research to find agencies and organizations already doing this work where you live
2. Find ways to support those groups through volunteering, advocacy campaigns, protests, or amplifying their work via social media
3. Check out https://engage.calgary.ca/ – the City of Calgary is always highlighting proposals and projects that impact our communities – and you can have a say in those!
4. Be informed!!!! So much stuff happens all the time in our communities that we don’t hear about until after it’s happened – so be sure to follow local Calgary event pages and influencers
5. Come hang out with Alpha House at one of our upcoming community events

Happy community engagement day, Calgary – let’s keep making Calgary a better place for everyone

Inspiring Stories from our Community Housing Clients 

By Michelle Brown, Community Housing Program Director

 

At Alpha House, we are reminded daily of the transformative value of having a home. 

For so many of our clients who have experienced homelessness, our community housing program enables them to live independently with dignity – to feel supported and cared for by their community and to work to build a healthier future for themselves.

Home for our clients is much more than shelter – it provides hope with a new perspective for them to realize their own dreams and create a better future. 

We recently sat down with three of our community housing clients – Stephen, Darcy, and Lesley, who shared their unique perspectives on how having a home has changed their lives.

 

Home is a Haven Where Stephen’s Dreams are Rekindled

For Stephen, stable housing has enabled him to rediscover his passions, manage his mental health and feel safe and secure. 

“It’s been a tremendous privilege, with regards to where they placed me, with regards to the financial end of it. I still have some pocket money left over after paying rent, and I can keep my affairs in order, like paying bills and actually adulting,” he says.  

After spending years in shelters, Stephen was referred to Alpha House during the pandemic – where he met a counselor who helped him navigate his schizophrenia diagnosis. \

“He was like a big brother, held my hand through some of the worst moments and paranoias of my schizophrenia when it was first diagnosed,” Stephen shares.

Stephen also has renewed dreams of attending a Comic Con convention, and is working to save to attend one in Calgary in the future. 

“Since getting housed, it’s been a huge turnaround. I finally have space for my comics, novels, and costumes — my own slice of identity,” he says. 

Calgary Flames Fan Darcy Loves the Independence of Having His Own Home

Darcy shares that, “Alpha House is to me, in my mind, it is the best thing going.” After experiencing homelessness, he feels comfort and pride in having a space to call his own. 

“It feels nice to actually have a place where I can walk into it and say, this is my place. I pay my bills ahead of time and everything else,” he adds. 

As a lifelong Calgary Flames fan, Darcy has decorated his home with Flames memorabilia on his walls.  

“I have on my wall about eight pictures of Flames players. My friend did a photocopy of Miikka Kiprusoff when he retired and I have it. Kipper was my all time favorite. Like, he was a phenomenal goalie.”

 

A Peaceful Place to Call Home for Lesley

Lesley spent over 10 years living on Calgary’s streets and says Alpha House has given  him a sense of safety and stability. He loves the peace and quiet of living alone. 

“Nobody bothers me. It’s just dandy,” he shares. 

Having a space of his own has allowed Lesley to enjoy simple pleasures, like watching Murdoch Mysteries or playing rhythm and bass guitar. After nearly ten years in Alpha House’s community housing program, Lesley is truly grateful for the stability and security it has provided him. 

For every individual client, the meaning and comfort of home mean different things and we are grateful to Stephen, Darcy and Lesley for sharing their stories with us. 

 

Every one of our clients has a unique story, and at Alpha House we work to enhance our clients’ quality of life by providing them with the support they need to live with dignity, hope and stability in secure housing. 

Alpha House relies on community support to continue helping clients like Stephen, Darcy and Lesley move into stable housing and achieve their goals. Donations go towards rent subsidies, deposits, groceries, and other essentials.

To learn more about the program or to donate, visit Give Hope Through Housing.

 

All Hands on Deck – Let’s Make Housing for All a Reality

National Housing Day is a day for raising awareness, advocating for impactful housing solutions, and taking actionable steps toward a future where every individual has access to safe and stable housing. National Housing Day was declared a ‘national day’ in the year 2000 after homelessness was recognized as a national disaster two years prior. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, CMHC, says “an all hands-on deck approach isn’t just an option— it’s essential for tackling the housing and homelessness crisis”. This sentiment rings true for all non-profits and affordable housing providers particularly in recent years; the government, financial organizations, developers, and communities all need to buy in and work together if we’re going to be serious about providing housing for all.

A secondary, but incredibly important, part of National Housing Day is recognizing the thousands of individuals who have been successfully housed in supportive housing programs across the city, province, and country – not just with Alpha House’s programs but with dozens of other homeless-serving agencies. It’s a tough transition to go from homelessness to housing when you may have been chronically homeless for the past 5 or 10 years. It demands a lot of work and often requires tough changes in approaches to everyday life, so it matters to us to celebrate the individuals who have pushed through so much hardship to be where they are today.

So, let’s talk housing, Calgary. In today’s blog post, we are going to be taking a look at key issues impacting the housing crisis in Calgary.

 

City of Calgary – Housing Needs Assessment 2023
https://www.calgary.ca/communities/housing-in-calgary/housing-needs-assessment.html

The Housing Needs Assessment is a Research Report, published by the City of Calgary, with a goal of giving us a better understanding of the need for affordable housing in Calgary. A household is classified as “in need of affordable housing” when it earns less than 65% of Calgary’s median and spends at least 30% of their income on housing costs. The key findings from this report highlight a number of alarming statistics:

• The annual income required to adequately afford market rent in 2023 is $84,000, a significant increase from the $67,000 figure for 2022
• The median cost of buying a detached home has increased by 37% over the last 3 years (2020-2023)
• The average rent between 2020 and 2023 has increased by around 40%
• 1 in 5 households cannot afford their housing

These are obviously concerning stats so… why is it so bad?

There are many issues and compounding factors that play into the housing crisis in Calgary. Becoming educated on some of the issues and challenges with today’s housing market is among the first steps to understanding what we need to be fighting for— we can’t fight for affordable housing for all if we don’t know what’s preventing this future utopia. Some key pieces of information to start:

• Rent Caps: In Alberta, the average rent between 2020 and 2023 has increased by around 40%. In contrast, New Brunswick very recently passed a rent cap bill, effective Feb 2025, which limits rent increases to 3% per year. If this same bill or a similar rent cap bill had been in place in Alberta during that same time period, our 40% figure would be 9%, leaving Albertans with much more flexibility in their finances and with a much smaller percentage of income directed towards housing costs.
  • https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/rent-cap-legislation-1.7388255
• Financialized Landlords (i.e. corporate entities that manage rental properties primarily for profit): There are currently no barriers to corporate entities owning rental properties for-profit including properties earmarked for ‘affordable housing’ indexation Conversely, non-profit, co-op, land trust organizations, and tenants who purchase and own at-risk buildings when they come on the market would provide more protections to ensure affordable housing is true in practice not just in name. The negative impact of financialized landlords can be seen in Martine August’s research, which shows these groups purchased 90% of all rental stock that came up for sale in the Toronto Market in 2020.
  • https://www.cbc.ca/news/financialized-landlord-higher-rents-canada-1.7307015
• Fixed-Term Leases: Fixed term leases allow financialized landlords to raise the rent at their discretion (with no rent caps in place) at the end of each term. Month-to-month or shorter-term leases give renters the power to choose where they want to stay, and are able to leave more quickly if their circumstances change abruptly or if they aren’t satisfied with their living arrangements. When you give renters the power to dictate the parameters of their living situations, this encourages landlords to be more engaged with the state of their properties
• Calgary’s Living Wage is Nearly $10 More Than Minimum Wage: A recent report on the cost of living in Calgary has calculated that a living wage in the city is $24.45 an hour, with the minimum wage remaining unchanged at $15 an hour. A common misconception is that only youth living with their parents are making this wage but, in actuality, about 57.2% of minimum wage workers in Alberta last year were 25 years old or older. This disparity along with the rising costs of basic needs make attaining stable housing incredibly difficult or, in some cases, flat out impossible for many Calgarians.
  • https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/living-wage-minimum-wage-inflation-costs-1.7386920#:~:text=Calgary-,Calgary’s%20living%20wage%20calculated%20at%20nearly%20%2410%2Fh%20more%20than,more%20than%20the%20minimum%20wage.
• People Turn to the Homeless-Serving Sector When Other Systems Fail: Other systems are in place to assist individuals in difficult situations but, when those fall through, and individuals lose stable housing, the homeless-serving sector is the place they can turn to. Examples of system failures can include difficult transitions from child welfare, inadequate discharge planning from hospitals, corrections, and mental health and addictions facilities, a lack of support for new immigrants and refugees, and individuals fleeing domestic violence where a homeless shelter becomes the only option. The homeless-serving sector is not equipped to continue to see significant increases in number of clients leading to worse outcomes for everyone.
  • https://www.mtroyal.ca/nonprofit/InstituteforCommunityProsperity/Happenings/Unpacking-the-affordable-housing-crisis-ICP.htm

 

And what the heck can we do about it?

• Advocate: Write your local representatives, attend city council meetings, and keep an eye out for campaigns you can be a part of that push for more affordable housing
• Spread Awareness: Educate yourself on the challenges and issues in the housing sector, and share your knowledge with others
• Donate: Donate to agencies that provide affordable housing. Monetary donations and in-kind donations of furniture, appliances, etc. that people can make use of when entering a new home are very helpful for individuals transitioning from homelessness to stable housing
• Attend Events: Participate in local events, workshops, rallies, or discussions that are centered around housing policy
• Volunteer: Volunteer with local affordable housing providers; keep an eye out for volunteer positions on their board of directors or fundraisers supporting this cause
• Become a Landlord Partner with Alpha House: Learn more about our landlord partnership program for individuals exiting homelessness below

 

Alpha House & Landlord Partnerships 

Alpha House’s Community Housing Program works closely with landlords to provide housing for individuals exiting homelessness circumstances. Units are in market rentals around the city and clients are supported by our caseworkers to improve housing stability and communication between tenant and landlord. We are currently looking for landlords to partner with to provide housing for more vulnerable Calgarians.

If you are a landlord or know of a landlord who might be interested, download our Landlord Partnership Package for more information. Inside there are testimonials from current landlord partners, benefits of partnering with Alpha House (e.g. guaranteed consistent rent payments, home maintenance commitment, etc.), and the social benefit of working with our Community Housing Program.

 

Home for the Holidays

One of Alpha House’s biggest strengths is the powerful and moving stories we hear every day from our clients. Each and every client’s life journey is unique, and we believe it’s important to share their stories to not only raise awareness, but to develop the awareness that we cannot truly know someone’s life story or the circumstances that led to the homelessness they now experience.

Keep an ear open for our Home for the Holidays radio campaign to hear both staff and clients of Alpha House share their experiences with homelessness and the impact that stable housing has had on their lives.

The radio campaign will run from December 9^th to December 22^nd, and be featured on WILD 95.3 and 101.5 Today Radio.

CRRA Members Rally to Support Alpha House’s ‘Give Hope Through Housing’ Campaign

By The Community Housing Team

Alpha House had the privilege of participating in the Calgary Residential Rental Association (CRRA) Golf Extravaganza on September 4, and we’ve been genuinely heart-warmed by the outpouring of support we received from so many CRRA members and supporters we met at the event. It was a fantastic opportunity to share our mission and connect with landlords who are eager to make a difference.

Alpha House is thrilled to share the incredible response from CRRA members to our recent ‘Give Hope Through Housing’ campaign. The campaign called on landlords and housing providers to join us in offering secure, accessible housing for some of the city’s most vulnerable people through partnerships in our Community Housing program. The result has been nothing short of inspiring.

As a direct result of the relationships formed with CRRA throughout the summer and at the golf tournament, we’ve already secured 10 new landlord partnerships for our clients that will help provide stable homes for vulnerable Calgarians. We met one individual who wanted to do everything she can to raise awareness in her own community in southeast Calgary, of our need for new landlords and donations. She offered to put up posters and encourage everyone she knows to donate. Meeting people in our community who genuinely want to help vulnerable Calgarians is inspiring and gives us hope of a more secure future for our clients. 

One of our new CRRA landlords we have recently partnered with shared, “Being part of the Alpha House housing program and giving preference to a member of our community that needs housing is a very small act that makes a big difference in their life. We are pleased to be part of the partnership that assists the broader community.”

This generosity and sense of purpose resonate with many landlords, who understand the power of providing a safe, stable home for individuals navigating challenging circumstances.

Some landlords have gone above and beyond, offering their properties at reduced market rates, demonstrating incredible compassion and commitment to helping those in need. 

Paul Tokode, Alpha House’s Transition Program Manager, said,

“We’ve seen tremendous empathy from landlords who want to help their community. The generosity of providing units at lower rates means the world to our clients, many of whom live on very limited incomes.”

This outpouring of support not only strengthens Alpha House’s capacity to provide housing but also highlights the vital role community-driven solutions play in addressing homelessness.

Alpha House Executive Director Kathy Christiansen explained,

“Thanks to our new partnerships with CRRA landlords who stepped up, we are in the process of housing 10 individuals who were waiting for a home. This is only possible because of the overwhelming support from CRRA members and really shows the strength of our community when we work together to create positive change.”

 

Looking Forward

The success of the ‘Give Hope Through Housing’ campaign is a reminder of the essential role housing professionals play in supporting and uplifting communities. With the ongoing collaboration of CRRA members, Alpha House is now better equipped to offer hope and stability to more individuals and families facing homelessness.

Our campaign was launched in response to the urgent need for more housing solutions amidst a growing housing crisis, and it has resonated deeply with CRRA members. By stepping up to meet this need, CRRA landlords have demonstrated generosity, compassion, and a shared belief that stable housing is key to building better futures.

Alpha House is proud to continue working with the CRRA and its members to create lasting solutions to housing challenges. Together, we are making a difference, one home at a time.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can contribute to Alpha House’s ‘Give Hope Through Housing’ campaign or partner with us as a landlord, we invite you to visit Give Hope Through Housing.

Thank you to all CRRA members for your continued dedication to making housing more accessible and giving hope to those who need it most!

 

Alpha House has been delivering a version of the Engaging Vulnerable Persons workshop to Calgary communities for nearly a decade. The training has gone through many iterations over the years, adapting to the landscape of homelessness and addiction in the city to provide the most relevant information surrounding the challenges that can come from interacting with people on the street who may be under the influence, struggling with poor mental health, sleep deprived, or some combination of the above.

The EVP is broken into three sections.

• The landscape, myths, and key concepts surrounding homelessness and addiction
• Biases and Perceptions
• Improving interactions

This workshop is designed for any individual or group who is interested in understanding more about navigating public substance use, homelessness, and street-involved interactions. Learn all you need to know about this workshop with the below FAQ:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost?

Alpha House is committed to providing this workshop to as many people as possible to increase understanding and compassion, equip people with tools to create safety for all, and bring community together to tackle these large social issues. If you do not have any funds to support this training, we will do our best to work with you. For businesses and corporate groups, the cost is $250.00, for other non-profit organizations and community groups the cost is $100. For individuals, we do have a webinar version available for $10 on demand. Details here: https://alphahousecalgary.com/engaging-vulnerable-persons/

 

Can I book one for my specific group?

Yes! We offer bookings for specific groups whether you’re a local business, corporate office, community group or non-profit agency, church, community association, or categorized some other way. Please email us at [email protected] to request a workshop.

 

How long is the workshop?

The full workshop is roughly 90 minutes, but we also offer condensed versions in 60-minute, 45-minute, and 30-minute options. Please note: we of course recommend the full version as it contains all the topics we believe are most relevant for effective understanding and implementation of the information. However, we can accommodate requests for compressed options as needed.

 

Is it possible to customize the presentation for my group?

Absolutely! Alpha House offers customizations (within reason) by request. We are happy to utilize specific scenarios or situations based on experiences your staff or group has encountered in the past. Equally, we can adjust the workshop to include more, or less, specific information about the topics covered.

 

Is the EVP in-person or virtual?

You decide! We are happy to provide the workshop in-person at your group’s location or virtually. We can also provide a hybrid option if you have staff/interested participants who are not able to make it in-person. Lastly, webinar options are available if you are interested in ongoing training for new hires, new volunteers, or something similar. Reach out to us to discuss.

 

Is there a webinar version for the general public?

You bet there is! More details here: https://alphahousecalgary.com/engaging-vulnerable-persons/

 

How do I book a workshop?

Email us at [email protected] !

 

Are there additional resources available?

We’re so glad you asked! There ARE additional resources available. Check out our YouTube channel for our Engaging Vulnerable Persons Video Series, which breaks down different interactions and best practices for engaging: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIrMdCzSNpxv0Wp-4Dk8dvg

 

If you have a question that has not been answered here, please feel free to email us for more information: [email protected]

 

The information presented in the Engaging Vulnerable Persons Training is information directly pulled from Alpha House’s 40+ years of experience working with vulnerable populations in Calgary, Alberta. We do not make any guarantees about the practices described in this training, however, and Alpha House shall not be responsible for any decisions made based on this information

Talking about the Continuum of Homelessness

Today, October 10^th, marks World Homelessness Day. Along side many other agencies in the Calgary community, Alpha House works with individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. At Alpha House, we hear many misconceptions from community members about homelessness – that all experiences of homelessness are alike or that people become homeless because of bad financial decisions or personal choices. It is easy to make assumptions about people experiencing homelessness but the reality of people’s experiences is often far more complex. We talk about homelessness as a spectrum of situations that people can move through because it helps contextualize the vast array of experiences people have with being unhoused.

We’ll talk about: Unsheltered, Emergency Sheltered, Provisionally Accommodated, and At Imminent Risk of Homelessness

Unsheltered refers to the individuals who are sleeping in places not meant for human habitation; often referred to as “rough sleepers” or “campers”. Rough sleepers often won’t access shelter resources and services regardless of external factors. This means even in inclement weather scenarios (where it’s minus 30 or plus 30) individuals will remain outside. There are any number of reasons why someone chooses not to access a Shelter. Sometimes past traumas can make it difficult for someone to stay in an enclosed space with other people. People with pets will often stay outside because Shelters can’t accommodate animals, and couples will sometimes stay outside rather than accessing shelter services and risk being separated. Something we tend to take for granted is personal and private spaces. Shelters were created as a temporary response to crisis situations; they were not built for comfort or privacy. Being in a shared environment, sleeping next to a hundred other individuals often isn’t the most comfortable situation. While encampments may be a more comfortable option for people, they often signify a difficult compromise that ultimately points to a lack of adequate housing more so than it points to issues with shelters.

 

Emergency Sheltered is a category that includes Emergency Shelters such as Alpha House, The Drop-In Centre, and The Mustard Seed, accessed by individuals experiencing homelessness who are seeking services. This can include meals, donated clothing, showers and basic hygiene supplies, or medical assessments and treatment. Alpha House’s Shelter hovers around 90% capacity year-round, usually reaching capacity during extreme weather conditions such as heat waves or cold snaps. In 2022, according to The Calgary Homeless Foundation, 40% of Calgary’s homeless population were located in emergency shelters. [1]

 

Provisionally Accommodated This would include hospitals, correctional facilities and transitional housing. These individuals technically have accommodations but, at some point, they will either be discharged or their terms will end leading them to the streets. Programs that include temporary accommodations are not at fault for not housing people anymore than Shelters; none of the measures in place to help people who are experiencing homelessness are long-term replacements for the need for adequate housing.

Individuals categorized as at Imminent Risk of Homelessness are those currently housed but at high risk of losing their housing. Individuals could be in this category for a variety of reasons: spending majority of their income on rent due to increasing housing costs, sudden unemployment, rising cost of living, family violence, etc.

 

 

 

Alpha House aims to reduce barriers by providing services along a continuum of care, facilitating the transition to stable housing for individuals at different stages of homelessness. For those who are unsheltered, Alpha House’s Encampment Team exists to actively support ‘rough sleepers’ with connections to appropriate shelter services and housing options where possible, while providing basic needs supplies and other referrals. For those accessing Emergency Shelter, Alpha House’s Shelter serves individuals in crisis needing a safe place to sleep and provides access to showers, medical assistance, and warm meals. Alpha House’s Shelter is specifically for individuals under the influence of substances.

Our housing programs encompass two key streams: Permanent-Supportive Housing, which offers 24/7 wrap around supports for those needing daily assistance, and Community Housing, where individuals live independently but have bi-weekly support through their caseworkers to increase capacity with everyday skills.

Alpha House’s Diversion program proactively assists individuals at imminent risk of homelessness, helping them maintain their housing and avoid crises. Research indicates that once someone experiences homelessness, the barriers to regaining stable housing significantly increase. The Diversion program aims to provide the financial and logistical support necessary for those who can live independently but require an initial boost to get back on their feet.

As we observe World Homelessness Day, it’s crucial to remember that homelessness is not a one-size-fits-all issue. The diverse experiences of those affected highlight the importance of understanding and compassion in our approach to this complex social challenge. Each individual’s story is unique, shaped by a variety of circumstances often outside of that person’s control. By recognizing the Continuum of Homelessness and the various challenges people face, we can foster greater empathy and awareness within our communities and ultimately build better solutions.

View our World Homeless Day video on our YouTube Channel here

 

 

[1] https://www.calgaryhomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CHF-PiT-Count-Report2022.pdf

Sober-Living at Alpha House’s Providence House

with Insights from Recovery Coach, Melodie

The road to recovery is a difficult journey—one that’s best traveled with community and supports at your side. Earlier this year, we transitioned one of our harm reduction buildings to our first ever sober-living supportive housing program – Providence House . Sober living aims to provide healthy environments conducive to sustained recovery by giving individuals the supports they need to find independence, reconnect with community, and improve their quality of life. We tracked down our supremely busy Recovery Coach, Melodie, to hear a little bit about her job supporting clients at Providence, the types of programming offered, and the day-to-day activities in the building.

A recovery coach is a mentor and motivator that supports individuals toward recovery by helping them navigate unique situations and challenges on their way to maintaining sobriety. Melodie describes her job as being a sort of a

“cheerleader for the clients – that might mean helping them with a specific task or having my door open and being available to talk when they need.”

Ultimately, it’s about supporting someone’s journey with encouragement and positive reinforcement.

A 9 AM group meeting with Melodie and all the residents in the building kicks off each new day at Providence, where together clients do their daily affirmations, discuss AA and other recovery programs, and share about the things they’re looking forward to, how they’re planning to connect with others, and what motivates them. An important reminder about recovery is that different approaches resonate with different people; it’s important to encourage interest in the approach that speaks to each individual person. After the morning meeting, clients go about their day, and Melodie keeps her office doors open for clients who are looking to chat, whether that’s to vent about a frustrating situation or to start working on a new goal they’ve set for themselves.

Which supports an individual needs looks different for everyone—one client might be looking to find volunteer opportunities or employment, while another could be looking to reconnect with their family now that they are sober. Everyone has their own goals and ambitions, and it’s critical to their success for us to surround our folks with encouragement and support for each milestone. Often times the barrier can be not knowing where to start or who to reach out to which is why we’re so grateful to have Melodie as a resource and support.

Recently, one of our clients has been looking to get visitation rights to see her child after 5 years apart— Melodie has been working with the client and the child’s caseworker to go through the steps of making those visitation rights happen, which includes advocating for the client and presenting the changes and improvements they have made while at Providence House. This is just one of many unique situations a Recovery Coach can help with.

When a new resident joins Providence House, they have an introductory meeting with the recovery coach so she can hear their story, learn more about them, and identify what areas they need support with. The beginning stages of sobriety can come with its own set of challenges: overwhelming emotions, physical withdrawal symptoms, or difficulty sleeping, eating, or concentrating. Another unique challenge that clients can face is the feeling of abandoning friends they’ve made while struggling with their addiction and who may still be on the street or actively using substances. Separating from those meaningful connections takes time to process and come to terms with. Understanding how difficult sobriety can be, relapse is also a real concern— one of the most helpful aspects of Alpha House’s sober-living program is how we are able to navigate someone’s relapse through the support of our Detox program. Clients who relapse in the program aren’t kicked out, rather they have the opportunity attend Alpha House’s Detox to withdrawal in a medically supported environment. Once they’ve completed the detox process, they can re-engage with the recovery coach and building managers to understand what happened and what they might need to change to find success in their recovery.

Melodie describes the vibe at Providence House as

“very welcoming— each individual is unique in their own ways, but everyone gets along, is engaged in programming, and does their best to welcome new residents.”

The breadth of programming available in the building gives individuals plenty of opportunity to engage with others, and with their own goals and plans. Sober-living and sobriety-based programming involves lots of meetings and group activities including 12-step AA programming. On Tuesdays, one of Alpha House’s Indigenous Peer Support workers stops by for weekly Wellbriety meetings, which is similar to a 12-step program, but with a focus on the teachings of the Medicine wheel. Wellbriety meetings are frequently followed by beadwork, where clients can express their creativity and receive the therapeutic benefits of working on a craft. The weekly sweat lodges that we do in our Detox program are also open to residents at Providence House, which some clients find integral to their recovery journey. There are also lots of spontaneous events that happen at the building put together by staff or other agencies like community cleanups, unique art therapy projects, BBQs, human bingo, gardening, painting bird houses, lawn games like beanbag tosses, and DIY banana split dessert making just to name a few!

Group programming can bring its own challenges though. Many of the individuals at Providence are transitioning from living on the street so attending group activities can come with a lot of anxiety, increased feelings of insecurity, and trauma responses. For example, an individual who transitioned from homelessness may not have access to the clothing they need to attend meetings and group activities in a way that makes them feel dignified. Lots of similar examples come up where the obstacle to engagement is not immediately apparent, but can cause significant challenges if left unaddressed.

After spending many years on the street, things like managing finances or doing laundry are skills that have been forgotten or have never been learned, and can act as barriers to independence. Tackling these challenges are among the first steps to supporting clients toward being able to live on their own. Melodie has taken steps to fill these gaps by facilitating budgeting classes, starting the process of helping clients get their driver’s licenses (we are on the book stage right now!), and working one-on-one with clients to develop their skillsets with day-to-day tasks like cooking, cleaning or laundry. During one-on-one sessions, Melodie has also been working with some of our clients on finding employment or volunteer opportunities. Providence currently has one client working full-time, two working part-time, and another handful who are volunteering in the community.

Clients also get to vote on programming activities, making sure they have a voice in the topics and activities planned.

 

What are the biggest differences we’ve seen from clients on their recovery journey to now?

Of course, differences are going to vary from person to person, but some overarching things we’ve seen are that clients are more hopeful about the future and their lives, and they talk of more— setting goals and finding things they want to achieve. We also see lots of clients confronting their pasts, coming to terms with lost jobs and housing, and making amends through attending court cases and reaching out to lost connections and family members. On top of that, there are improvements to both their mental and physical well-being, which are more general improvements that come with sobriety.

There’s been lots of positive feedback from staff and clients alike about Providence House and the Recovery Coach program here, and we’ve already seen lots of successes!  We are really excited to have added a sober-living facility to our continuum of services and look forward to sharing more about our clients and staff and the community they’re creating soon.

Landlords Share Their Perspective on Working with Alpha House in the Community Housing Program

By Paul Tokode

 The Community Housing program at Alpha House supports clients to live in their own homes in various communities in Calgary and sign their own leases. Alpha House will subsidize client rents and deposits when needed – ensuring consistent, timely rental payments to their landlord. Alpha House also commits to conducting maintenance to ensure the property’s condition remains as it was upon move-in, provides ongoing communication to resolve any issues quickly and thoroughly, as well administer supportive services including intensive case management to ensure long-term, successful tenancies. The Community Housing program is a long-standing program to help our clients live independently. Landlords are also supported by a transition team who are available to help with any concerns, liaising between landlords to keep them informed on case managers who work with clients to manage any issues that may arise.

 In support of our ‘Give Hope Through Housing Campaign’, we recently sat down with several  of our current landlords participating in our Community Housing program to hear their thoughts and experiences.

 

How would you describe your experience?

Landlord of 5 years: We had an excellent experience with Alpha House. Their teams are very passionate, goal driven and dedicated to their assigned tasks. They are very reliable and easy to communicate with.”

Moazzam, Landlord of 4 years: “Working with Alpha House and their team has absolutely been wonderful. Their team members are professional and diligent.” – Moazzam, Landlord of four years

 Laurence, Landlord of 7 years: “My experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The staff is dedicated and passionate, ensuring both tenants and landlords have a positive experience. They set a high standard for supportive housing organizations through prompt communication and proactive problem-solving.”

 

How has Alpha House supported you as a landlord throughout a tenant’s residency?

 Zandalee, Landlord of 1 year: “Alpha House has been supportive of us as landlords by helping communicate to the tenants for any necessary communications such as repairs or building maintenance. It is also amazing as a landlord to know that Alpha House is responsible for finding a well-suited tenant for the unit, building and landlords, so this takes some of the weight off of landlords, especially since they continue to pay rent in between tenants.”

 Moazzam, Landlord of 4 years: “Alpha House has provided outstanding support and commitment. Their commitment to paying on time, maintaining cleanliness in the rental spaces, and ensuring the well-being of all clients whole caring for other tenants exemplifies professionalism and dedication.”

Laurence, Landlord of 7 years: “Alpha House has been incredibly supportive throughout my tenants’ residencies. They have provided ongoing communication, regular check-ins, and assistance with any issues that may arise.”

 

What do you find the most rewarding about working with Alpha House and its clients as a landlord?

Wesam, Landlord of 12 years: “The most rewarding thing about working with Alpha House is the good communication & the quick response of the team in solving the problems which may happen.”

Zandalee, Landlord of 1 year: “It really has been a unique experience knowing you are playing a small part in helping better someone’s life.For us in particular, we saw the joy it can bring to someone who has faced racial prejudice from other landlords by simply saying yes and providing a warm space for them to live. We’ve received more gratitude than we deserve simply for participating in the program.”

Landlord of 5 years: “I love to see that a person’s life can start to change through offering them a place they can call their home. Giving them a second chance to start a new life and help them dream dreams again.”

 

What would you say to other landlords who may consider renting to Alpha House clients?

Moazzam, Landlord of 4 years: “Alpha House is an organization that provides safe and caring environments for individuals. As landlords providing such environments not only benefits tenants but also contributes to a positive community atmosphere.”

Landlord of 5 years: “In this chaotic world we are living in right now, let us be kind to those who need our hand to start a new life. We shouldn’t be judgemental, instead we should be willing to offer ourselves to help ease up another person’s burden. Let’s spread love.”

Laurence, Landlord of 7 years: “To other landlords considering renting to Alpha House clients, I would say don’t hesitate. Working with Alpha House not only provides an opportunity to contribute to the community but also offers a reliable support system and resources to ensure a positive renting experience.”

 

The affordable housing crisis in Calgary impacts everyone, including our clients. With inventory so low and the cost of living on the rise, we need to come together as a community to find solutions so that everyone has a home. We are very grateful for our landlord partnerships that enable us to help our clients find housing where they can feel safe, supported and welcomed in their community.

We are currently looking for 30 suites to help us reach our goal of housing 150 clients this year. We welcome all landlords to learn more about Alpha House’s landlord partnership program please visit Alpha House’s Give Hope Through Housing Campaign and download the landlord partnership package: Landlord-Partnerships.pdf (alphahousecalgary.com). You can also email [email protected] to get started.

Happy International Self-Care Day! In its honour, we’re talking about Psychological First Aid (PFA), the importance of self-care in the social service sector, and some strategies for taking care of ourselves as well as others.

First things first— what is self-care? Self-care refers to the activities and practices that we can regularly engage with to reduce stress and enhance both our short-term and long-term well-being. [1] The overarching theme around self-care among social service professionals is that “we cannot look after others if we cannot look after ourselves.” Working on the frontline can be both stressful and unpredictable, resulting in pent up stress and unaddressed emotions that can ultimately lead to major challenges later on, if left unchecked. Additionally, care providers are much more likely to experience vicarious trauma, which is a form of trauma resulting from exposure to the traumatic stories and experiences of others; vicarious trauma can significantly impact the mental health of care providers if they don’t have healthy coping mechanisms to avoid the pitfalls of burnout.

Given the high stress environment that Alpha House staff work in, the agency is always looking for ways to ensure that staff have tools and supports at their disposal to take care of themselves and others. Offering Psychological First Aid (PFA) training is one of the new ways the agency employs to promote well-being among staff. PFA is a 12-hour course that aims to equip learners with a personal understanding of the effects of stress, loss, trauma and grief on others, with an emphasis on self-care and personal protection. [2] A study conducted in Alberta looked at the effectiveness of PFA training in the social service sector showcasing that before the workshop less than half of the participants (45.9%) reported having strategies to maintain their wellness and self-care during a disaster; the post training survey revealed that after the workshops, 98.64% of participants now felt aware of the strategies needed to practice self-care and maintain their wellness. [3]

What does the course look like in practice? Overall, the course is very interactive— lots of topics are completed through group work; the continuous engagement and built-in activities allows for difficult topics to be covered in a positive environment where people can engage, observe, listen, or interact as they feel able. Our first few PFA trainings at Alpha House were taught through the Canadian Red Cross but we found it so valuable that several of our staff have since completed their Train the Trainer courses to get certified themselves. Providing the training in-house allows us to be more specific about the examples and strategies discussed in the course, and how they pertain to the population that we work with.

Building trust and rapport with clients is at the heart of frontline work in the social service sector, and part of this is knowing how to identify the emotional state of a client and approaching in a non-judgmental, empathetic manner. When we spend our time and energy meeting the social and psychological needs of others, it can become hard to find room to do the same for ourselves. PFA addresses this specifically and looks to teach individuals how to manage their own stress and emotional state as well as how to support co-workers in coping with the effects of various types of stress.

Recognizing when our co-workers are experiencing stress is a particularly critical element when the work is complex and reliant on teamwork. PFA isn’t about adding a co-worker’s stress to your already full emotional bandwidth, it’s about being able to rely on and support one-another to lighten the load for everybody.

Psychological First Aid touches on this with the 4L’s cycle— Look, Listen, Link, Live. This section explains the process of watching for signs of stress/trauma, the importance of active listening, providing links to people that may be required for support, and how to live with stress as a part of life. PFA discusses the 4L’s cycle in the context of analyzing oneself, then moves on to discuss how the same tools can be used to gauge the emotions of others, and provide support. A brief overview of the 4L’s cycle in the context of caring for others: [4]

Look for common indicators of stress

• Signs of stress
• Signs of distress
• Nonverbal signs of communication
• Are their basic needs covered?
• Signs of violence
• Individuals who require special attention
• Resiliency

Listen in a calm and open manner

• Be open to hearing their experiences
• Listen to their experiences in a non-judgmental manner
• Be aware of your tone and inflections
• Consider the person’s age, gender, cultural background, etc.

Link to support systems by empowering them to connect

• Resources to meet basic needs
• Loved ones
• Social, cultural, and religious support networks

Live with coping strategies and care for yourself so you can care for others

Throughout the course, participants have the opportunity to openly discuss the coping strategies they’ve found effective for managing stress including meditation, hobbies, and connecting with family and nature— to name a few popular options. PFA also discusses more formal approaches to resilience such as mental health counselling for individuals who would benefit from a more guided approach with a mental health professional. One of the topics in the course is ‘Creating a Self-Care Plan,’ which allows for reflective time where participants consider what self-care means to them, what practices they find works best for their situation, and when they feel self-care is most necessary for them.

It’s important to remember that practicing self-care isn’t a one-time thing, but something we have to engage with on an ongoing basis. Self-care can be impacted by external factors such as time or cost, making it hard to find a time where it makes sense to take care of oneself. PFA addresses this by asking participants to re-learn how self-care can be a part of daily living, and how they can incorporate it into their daily routines. Self-care practices are unique to each individual, and what works for one person, won’t necessarily work for another. However, a few starting ideas to incorporate self-care into your daily schedule could be starting a journal, morning meditations, or even watching a TV show without interruptions. Finding what works best for you and your schedule can take time; identifying strategies/activities with the right level of engagement and time commitment is a challenging ask in our fast-paced world.

The Simmons Faculty of Social Work offers some great general advice on how you can better maintain your well-being in the workplace: [5]

• Take a break. It’s important to take some time away from the workplace and recharge, even if it’s a five-minute break to take a walk outside
• Set short-term goals. Breaking down obligations into small, attainable chunks is a great way to turn a large daunting task into smaller actionable steps
• Say no. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, resist the urge to take on new commitments that will add extra stress to your plate.
• Create a support system. PFA does a great job of breaking down the various types of support systems into smaller categories: Personal Factors, Self, Relationships, Community, and Culture and Society. This is a great place to start if you’re looking to identify support systems within your reach
• Connect with your emotions. When we feel anxiety or depression, our bodies are trying to tell us something. Try your best to listen and identify what you need; seek help from a mental health professional if you’re feeling stuck
• Practice mindfulness. Easier said than done! Try your best to find a moment for yourself, do some breathing exercises, engage in an activity like yoga, or anything else you find helps you with mindfulness

If you’re interested in learning more about the course, check out the Canadian Red Cross website for more details.

[1] https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/resources/self-care-starter-kit/introduction-to-self-care.html#:~:text=Self%2Dcare%20is%20an%20essential,term%20health%20and%20well%2Dbeing.

[2] https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification/course-descriptions/psychological-first-aid/psychological-first-aid

[3] https://doi.org/10.1921/jpts.v17i1.1269

[4] https://www.redcross.ca/crc/documents/19-0420PS-PFA_Pocket_Guide_2020_EN_FA.pdf

[5] https://online.simmons.edu/blog/self-care-for-social-service-professionals/