Welcome to 2025! We hope this message finds you and your family in good health, having enjoyed a restful holiday season, and feeling rejuvenated and energized for the year ahead.
In recent weeks, we have become increasingly aware of the growing issue of homelessness, both within our province and across the country. On December 27, 2024, we learned that this is, in fact, a North American challenge, as evidenced by the release of the January2024 Point-in-Time Count Report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The report revealed an 18% year-over-year increase in homelessness driven by a number of contributing factors. However, a positive development was noted, with a reported 8% reduction in homelessness among Veterans.
In 2024, the Red Deer Chamber Homelessness Taskforce focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the issue of homelessness and offered recommendations on how our community can work together to change its trajectory. A key takeaway from those discussions is that there are no simple solutions. We must intensify our efforts to understand the underlying factors contributing to homelessness and explore innovative approaches to address this complex challenge. Homelessness is fluid and changes with our environment. We need innovative, adaptable, action-oriented options to change the course of homelessness, and it is the focus of the Homeless Foundation for Red Deer Region to pursue and foster a creative and collaborative approach moving forward.
Thank you !!!
As the Homeless Foundation For Red Deer Region takes shape, we are deeply humbled by the overwhelming support we have received from countless organizations. Their recognition of the research conducted and endorsement of innovative approaches to addressing homelessness reflect a shared commitment to reimagining how our community confronts this critical issue.
One of the key community partners supporting this initiative is Red Deer Polytechnic. Highlighted in the Final Report of the Red Deer Chamber Homelessness Taskforce as integral to fostering a deeper understanding of how homelessness affects our community, Red Deer Polytechnic has demonstrated its commitment by offering space at its downtown campus to serve as the new home for the Homeless Foundation For Red Deer Region. The Foundation is thrilled to collaborate with such a dedicated partner in this critical effort.
“Through collaboration with our partners and stakeholders, Red Deer Polytechnic offers students extensive learning opportunities while contributing to Alberta’s economic and social priorities,” says Patrick Machacek, Vice President of Development and Partnerships. “The Homeless Foundation for Red Deer Region, similar to our partnership with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, is introducing innovative and practical approaches to a longstanding challenge, and we are committed to supporting their efforts for the betterment of our community.”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Red Deer Polytechnic and their leadership team for stepping forward and doing what they do best—investing in our community. Their commitment and support are invaluable in advancing this important initiative.
In the everchanging landscape that homelessness has shown itself to be, the Homeless Foundation For Red Deer Region is charting a course characterized by ingenuity, accountability, and action. In that spirit, applications for the Board of Directors are open.
Board members are community leaders who bring a wealth of experience, a commitment to addressing the homelessness crisis, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Directors dedicate five to ten hours per month to help guide the foundation’s strategic direction, ensuring impactful, solution-oriented outcomes. They embrace innovation, collaboration, and change, and are focused on driving systemic change through social impact and community investment. The board reflects the diversity of the Red Deer community, including indigenous leaders who are encouraged to apply and provide continued perspective on reconciliation as part of the strategic mindset being advocated in finding solutions to end homelessness and improve the well-being of all in the region.
Interested individuals (or nominators) are encouraged to visit Homeless Task Force- Red Deer & District Chamber for all the details .
In light of feedback from interested individuals and conflicts with the holiday season, we have extended the nominations period to 2:00pm MST, January 22, 2025.
For more information or questions, please reach out to nominations@homelessnessreddeer.com.
Today, we live in a world that highlights the immense opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, we would like to take a moment to celebrate and promote the remarkable ingenuity of Homelessness Innovation (HI).
One of the key concerns raised in Red Deer is the lack of transitional housing. In response to a similar issue in Edmonton, Jasper Place Wellness Centre and Alberta Health Services launched the Bridge Healing Program in January 2023, designed to bridge the gap between emergency room visits and access to safe housing. Now, 22 months later, the program has successfully provided transitional housing to hundreds, as reported by the CBC. This initiative serves as a powerful example of academia, healthcare, multiple levels of government, and the private sector collaborating with creativity, practicality, and entrepreneurial spirit to pioneer innovative solutions in the fight against homelessness.
Homelessness has many faces and serves as a symptom of numerous complex challenges. Fans of Jim Collins’ book Good to Great will recognize the concept of the “flywheel,” where success gains momentum through consistent effort and incremental improvements over time. Congratulations to Jasper Place Wellness Centre and Alberta Health Services for embracing innovation, refining their approach, and thoughtfully expanding their efforts to create meaningful and lasting impact.