In early January, me and BRCA Safety Director Jess Huffman and some members of his committee were privileged to receive a tour of the Calgary Drop-In Centre (the “DI”). We were provided with a very informative and thought-provoking presentation on the DI’s services and its role in sheltering vulnerable Calgarians and assisting them to become re-housed.
In the 12 months covered by its last report to community, the DI served almost 4,500 unique individuals, transitioned 358 people into appropriate housing, prevented homelessness by early intervention for another 121 people, and had less than 4% of people return to the shelter. This is an incredible success rate and testament to the fact that the vast majority of the DI’s users are simply in need of temporary shelter.
Our discussion at the DI covered all aspects of the facility’s operations, including impacts of the pandemic and the opioid crisis. Drug poisonings at the DI have doubled year over year and now average five per day. The DI is adapting by providing more specialize support, particularly around addictions and mental health. We talked about concerns that have been raised with the BRCA by community member as to impacts felt in our neighbourhood perceived to be caused by residents of the DI.
The issues facing the DI and its residents are complex and extremely challenging and are ones that we all need to help address. We left our visit agreeing that the best way to be good neighbours is to communicate openly and frequently. We committed to do what we can do to provide opportunities for our residents to learn more about the DI and to create a two-way channel to share information, views, and concerns.
Alex MacWilliam
