How homeless do you have to be to qualify as homeless?
That’s the no-win question facing those who help seniors, after a new federal funding model was introduced to combat senior homelessness. (See the story on page 3 of today’s edition.)
In principle, the Housing First funding model is a good one. It’s meant to help the chronically homeless – who often have mental illnesses and/or addictions, and who can cost the government more money through increased demand on social services. And, moreover, it’s effective; a recent study by the Mental Health Commission of Canada found that the funding model works.
So what’s the problem?
Well, the funding is coming out of the regular pool of money available for homelessness programs, which means there may be less money available to help those who aren’t chronically homeless but who might be facing life on the street for the first time.
And, sadly, the prospect of life on the street is a very real one for many seniors – those for whom low, fixed incomes simply aren’t keeping up with the cost of living.
Sadly, the New Westminster-based Seniors Services Society – the only group in the Lower Mainland that specifically helps seniors who are homeless or at risk of being homeless – foresees senior homelessness as being on the rise in 2015.
In fact, its interim executive director, Brian Dodd, goes so far as to call the issue a “crisis.”
What’s needed is pretty simple: funding. First and foremost, for affordable housing. And, tied into that, for programs to help vulnerable people – seniors and otherwise – to prevent them from becoming homeless.
Here’s hoping Stephen Harper and his government are listening to those who are advocating on this issue.
Because life may be cushy if you’re 55 years old and living at 24 Sussex Dr. But it’s not quite so pleasant if you’re living on the streets, now, is it?
