Fundamentals to Calgary's 10 Year Plan

Housing First

Traditionally, people experiencing homelessness were expected to address the issues that led to their homelessness, such as mental illness or addictions, before they were housed. With Housing First, the priority is to quickly move people experiencing homelessness into appropriate housing first, and then begin to work on the issues that contributed to their homelessness from the stability and safety of a home. Housing First programs respect client choice, follow a harm reduction approach and see permanent housing as a basic human right.

Does it really work? 

As of January 2011, 85 to 90 percent of people who were rehoused remained housed.

The Business Case

Research demonstrates that it costs less to provide appropriate housing and support to a person at risk of or experiencing homelessness compared with providing that same person with short-term and ongoing emergency and institutional responses. Most studies indicate those people with the highest needs incur system costs of $100,000 or more per year. This is two to three times higher than the cost of providing housing and support.

In other words:

People experiencing long-term homelessness tend to touch government-funded systems such as the judicial system, hospitals and emergency shelters much more frequently than people who have housing. By continuing to provide housing with support and reducing the number of people currently homeless, we will reduce the burden on taxpayers associated with increased use of institutions.

Housing costs:

In the first three years of implementing the Plan in Calgary, the cost to rehouse people with support varied. Those requiring a low level of support over a short period of time, such as rent supplements, were rehoused for as little as $4,000 per year. Providing housing and support to those with very complex needs can cost as much as $36,000 per year. Those programs providing 24/7 care, similar to a nursing home, can cost as much as $56,000 per year. With three years of experience, a detailed review of housing costs will be completed to confirm the cost savings of housing and support.

Supporting Studies:

More Advantages

Here are a few other ways Calgary benefits from ending homelessness:

  • Supports Calgary's construction industry through affordable housing renovation and building projects
  • Opportunities to share knowledge and best practices nationally and globally
  • Increases the sense of safety and overall experience for people living in or visiting Calgary
  • Empowers the community (businesses, government, agencies, faith groups, philanthropists and individuals) to work together on a socially responsible cause
  • Helps make Calgary a better place to live for everyone who calls it home