Tenant Relation ForumNew Brunswick Non Profit Housing Association

Allison FerrisBen Appleby

Introduction How do we build and foster a strong

vibrant community?

Agenda

• Community Development

• Develop community engagement plan for residents living in Non Profit Housing

• Best Practices

• Identify issues / barriers

Opening

• Stimulate Interest with:– a noteworthy event– a personal experience– a testimonial– a quotation

Community Within a Community

• How do we develop a community and foster a safe living environment?– Education: Activities providing

residents with new knowledge or skills– Engagement: Activities empowering

residents to feel connected, valued and purposeful

Cont.

– Community building: Activities facilitating resident participation, building relationships around residents, and strengthening resident connections with the broader community

– Sustainability: Activities promoting increased self-sufficiency, food security, energy efficiency, recycling.

• Housing communities are healthier when residents are engaged in shaping and improving their community. Engage residents to identify their needs, recognize their voices, and establish appropriate solutions.

• Key word THEIR!

Resident engagement is fundamental to success

Services must be responsive to residents• Build on available resources

• The specific needs of each resident group create demand for a variety of service delivery options.

• Often residents have knowledge and skills, and community-based organization have resources to draw on.

• Resources and expertise of the partners shape the program at each site.

Inclusion, dignity and respect• An atmosphere of dignity and respect

for all residents is essential.

• Program participation and, therefore, resident engagement, will increase when residents feel welcome and included, when diversity is embraced and celebrated.

• Open, clear and respectful communication is essential for meaningful participation by residents, staff and the community.

Accountability to residents and the community• The health, well-being and safety of

residents and staff are of the highest importance.

• Periodic reviews and assessments to confirm services are effectively meeting program objectives and appropriate practices are in place.

• Transparency - make sure that communication is open on all fronts.

How do we start?

• Foster resident involvement and work with existing service providers

• Mental Health• Social Development• Food Purchasing Clubs• VON -Wellness Clinics• Connect to Government / Community/

Natural supports

Goals

• To improve resident health and well-being

• To improve resident capacity, resilience and self-sufficiency

• To strengthen resident engagement

• Build relationships among residents, as well as connections with resources in the broader community

Outcomes

• Increased sense of connection among residents

• Increased resident participation in activities, programs and resources, onsite or with local community partners

• Increased skill and knowledge among residents

Identify issues

• Barriers

• Government / Community / Natural supports

• Best practices

• Accessing service (intake, referral, follow-up)

• Available resources

Supports

• Government

• Community

• Natural

Best Practices

• What do you do in your community?

• Foster relationships with community partners

• Saint John -ODP / STAR

Organized Departure Program

Housing Alternatives Inc.Housing Alternatives Inc.

•Guiding Principles

• Collaboration

• Client-centred

• Voluntary

• Self-reliance

SPDATService Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool

Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool

4 Domains of Assessment and Follow Up

• Wellness • Risks

• Socialization & Daily Functions

• Housing History

Average Client ProfileOrganized Departure Program

• Age 43

• Unemployed

• On Social Assistance, $537/month

• Grade 9 education level

• Currently homeless, living in a shelter

• Suffering from a mental health issue, often affecting daily functioning

• History of substance use issues, may have achieved limited sobriety

• Has suffered some form of abuse and/or trauma

• Involved in numerous high risk situations per month

• At least one interaction with emergency services in the last 1-3 months

_x00

06_Int

ake

_x00

07_M

ove

In

_x00

07_1

Mon

th

_x00

07_3

Mon

th

_x00

07_6

Mon

th

32 3025

1916

SPDAT Score

SPDAT Score

_x00

06_Int

ake

_x00

07_M

ove

In

_x00

07_1

Mon

th

_x00

07_3

Mon

th

_x00

07_6

Mon

th

_x00

08_1

2 Mon

th

8 811 12 11

15

SPDAT Score

SPDAT Score

What Homelessness Costs

Hospital Bed

Provincial Jail

Shelter Bed

Rental Supplement

Social Housing

$0

$2,0

00

$4,0

00

$6,0

00

$8,0

00

$10,

000

$12,

000

Monthly Cost ($)

• $199.92

• $701

• $1932

• $4333

• $10900

• *Gaetz, Stephen (2012). “The Real Cost of Homelessness: Can We Save Money by Doing the Right Thing?” Toronto, Ontario. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. http://www.homelesshub.ca/ResourceFiles/costofhomelessness_paper21092012.pdf

Action Plan

– Action steps– Materials needed– Training needed– Schedules– Costs– where additional information is needed

assign responsibility to the logical person

Close

• Insure understanding

• Describe first steps

• Get commitment