assessing barriers to homelessness
DESCRIPTION
A slideshow presentation for the Canadian Association of Planning Students conference 2010. The presentation was of studio material produced in 3rd year client-based studio for a men\'s shelter in Toronto, Ontario.TRANSCRIPT
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
hit
ect
ure
/D
esi
gn
Soci
al
Serv
ices
-Planners should be concerned with the interiors of communal buildings
PLANNING
QUESTIONS?