Regina YMCA hopes to see Housing First put into action

It is hoped Housing First will be implemented within the month in Regina.
 
The successful homelessness strategy has been underway in communities like Prince Albert and Medicine Hat. It takes individuals living on the streets and puts them in housing first, before addressing some of the struggles they may be dealing with.
 
For the last year, the YMCA has been working with community partners to find the best approach to introduce Housing First to Regina.
 
“This is an exciting time in Regina to be discussing Housing First,” says Blair Roberts, director of homelessness partnering & residence at the YMCA of Regina. “Many people have been waiting for concrete action on homelessness. This report gives us a plan, and our CFP will put that plan into action through the hard work of community service organizations. We are excited to release this to the public and move forward.”
 
The YMCA will act as the community entity that provides the $400,000 available to run the strategy. Proposals are being accepted from now until Feb. 16. The bidders may be a single organization or a consortium of partners from the community.
 
It is hoped this will all be set up and work underway between March 2017 and April 2017.
 
First thing will be identifying socially-conscious landlords who have units available to rent. Next will be identifying those suffering from chronic homelessness that would benefit from such a strategy.