When we think of homelessness, we most often think of those who are unhoused, living in shelters or encampments. We tend not to consider those who are slipping into homelessness for the first time, or who have skirted an impending eviction. The Prevention team at the Housing Help Centre work tirelessly and creatively to support individuals and families to stay housed. Eighty-five per cent (85%) of the clients who access our services with impending housing loss do not attain homelessness. What does this work look like? It might look like landlord engagement and mediation or helping someone get their taxes completed so that they receive a monthly federal benefit, or it may look like bringing a client on to our trusteeship program to ensure regular payment of rent. It also looks like significant cost savings. Average rent in St. Catharines is $1,669 per month. The cost to taxpayers for an individual to stay in a homeless shelter for one month is approximately $3,750
What does this have to do with donations? Some years ago, a nameless benefactor provided a small pool of funds to support our clients in staying housed. These funds can be used to cover arrears or utilities, key replacement, minor damages, or contents insurance; costs that might otherwise be outside of a monthly budget. We have many success stories about how access to these funds made the difference in keeping someone from entering homelessness. The pot is dwindling, and we are eager to find ways to replenish it as we see examples of the difference it can make every day. DONATE NOW and select “Housing Help Program of Community Care” to support this important work.
