Assessing barriers to Homelessness:

Presentation: Angela BeppleIntegrated Urban Health Consultants Studio Group:Lucas Berube, Matt Edwards, Danny Bridson, Robin Clarke, Mike Iannicello,Dan Ihnatowycz, Andrew Infusino, Sean O’Callaghan , Angela Bepple

A needs assessment of Seaton House

Overview

1. Outline of Project

2. Findings3. Conclusion

ProjectClient: Seaton House Men’s

Shelter-Largest shelter in Toronto

-Employment Assistance-Housing Assistance-Harm reduction

program-Variety of dormitories

for different users

IUHC dealt specifically with the LONG-TERM

population on the 4th floor

4th Floor: Long-term resident needs assessment

-User Characteristics-Typically elderly - Many had

disabilities-Addictions issues - Mental health

issues

- Needs Assessment Considerations:- Health- Housing- Social Life/ Network

To discover the self-perceived needs of users in order to help with long-term

housing

Findings:

-Over 50% previously stayed at Seaton House- Indicated housing outcome had “failed”

-Reasons for return:-Inadequacy & disrepair of housing-Breakdown of social network-Serious health issues leading to loss of housing/hospitalization

-Lack of money was NOT a significant reason

-The absence of an alternative was the most significant reason

Findings

-Many respondents don’t think/plan long-term

-Seaton House medical staff are the primary and only source of medical treatment for many

-Most respondents felt Seaton House was their social network

-Yet many did not participate in the social life of Seaton House

Many Faces....

Source: The Catholic Registerhttp://www.catholicregister.org/content/view/496/849/

Source: Eideard http://eideard.wordpress.com/2009/03/24/toronto-to-pay-10k-to-imitation-homeless-people/

PROGRESSIVE PLANNING

WORK IN PROGRESS

Conclusions

-Respect inherent difference & PLAN FOR IT

-Challenge the concept that shelters are temporary:

SHELTER IS NOT A TEMPORARY CONCEPT

-Planners shouldn’t just consider housing in homelessness:

-community development -finance

Conclusions

Arc

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ure

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Soci

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Serv

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-Planners should be concerned with the interiors of communal buildings

PLANNING

QUESTIONS?