(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Alessia Proietti

Plans ahead

Five local organizations share update with Red Deer city council at Agency Day

Sep 22, 2023 | 12:00 PM

Five local organizations shared an update on their work in Red Deer at this week’s Agency Day.

In council chambers on Tuesday, organizations included the Red Deer Public Library Board (RDPLB), Shining Mountains, Amethyst House, Red Deer Housing Authority (RDHA), and Urban Aboriginal Voices Society.

Taking place twice a year, in the spring and fall, Agency Day is a meeting for invited community agencies to present an overview and update on their activities to council and the public.

READ: The “rebirth” of Agency Day in Red Deer

RED DEER PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD

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This August, the RDPLB opened a new branch in the Collicutt Centre to be primarily self-serve, with an open layout/design, utilizing the Centre’s more lengthy hours of access.

READ: Red Deer Public Library to pilot branch at Collicutt

In the first half of 2023, they state:

• The Downtown, Dawe and Timberlands branches had 511,892 physical library visits and 334,816 virtual visits, including through their website and library catalogue.
• 284,321 physical items circulated, including books, DVDs, audiobooks and magazines, as well as “non-traditional” library materials, such as musical instruments, radon testing kits, CO₂ monitors, book club kits, puzzles, toys, and games.

In the past 12 months, they say 133,121 digital items were borrowed, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines, allowing customers to access library materials 24/7 from any location, making library service more convenient.

The Board says they are excited to launch their new Youth Literacy Program this fall, to support students in Grades 1-12 who need help with their literacy skills, comprehension, and vocabulary

SHINING MOUNTAINS LIVING COMMUNITY SERVICES

The organization has been providing various housing programs, including the Intensive Case Management program and the Rapid Rehousing Program, and cultural-specific supports for indigenous peoples.

They say their An Mas Prevention, ‘an mas’ meaning lots/many in the Metis language called Michif, is a program designed to prevent housing loss. Participants receive one time assistance of a maximum of $1,200 for overdue rent and utilities, while creating a plan to address budgetary issues such as finding a part time job and reducing expenses.

The organization says if they are funded, they will begin to work with veterans who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, as well as support Indigenous peoples in the court system through an Indigenous Diversion Program.

AMETHYST HOUSE

Run by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), the permanent supportive housing program provided various successful anecdotes, including:

• One long-term resident was stable enough to no longer need a Community Treatment Order. She is compliant with her medication and has an awareness about her mental health diagnosis and the steps required to manage it.
• The tenants pay rent to a landlord independent of CMHA, with many tenants now regularly engaging in case management, allowing them to move forward with Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) applications and third-party payment agreements resulting in rent being paid on time and in full.
• Tenants who have not seen a doctor or dentist in a considerable amount of time, are now stable enough to receive the care they need, not only improving their physical health, but also their self-esteem.
• Several tenants gained enough stability in the program to feel confident enough to take the next steps in their recovery and attend a residential treatment program.
• Improvement in the physical appearance of tenants. They say once individuals have been housed for a couple of months, they begin to gain weight, often appearing more rested, and begin to communicate more.
• Many of the tenants take considerable pride in their homes. They say they are willing to help with cleaning the building, watering plants and help with their fellow tenants when they are in distress.

The organization says they intend this year to work with landlords to complete any renovations needed in a timely manner to have all rooms available for tenants They also plan to create respite beds for individuals to access between detox and admission to treatment.

RED DEER HOUSING AUTHORITY (RDHA)

The RDHA created this year the Open Doors Foundation for a capital campaign to raise funds for affordable housing.

They say they have also partnered with the City for the Eviction Prevention Program, a one-year pilot with a comprehensive supportive tenancy management program designed to maintain tenancy for individuals and families in community housing.

The organization says they want to invest in new housing opportunities to develop 40 permanent supportive housing units and 60 multi-family housing units.

URBAN ABORIGINAL VOICES SOCIETY

This year, the Society started a gardening project with Common Grounds and ReThink Red Deer, leading to three active gardens in Capstone/Northside, behind Save-on Foods North, and near Piper Creek south.

They say they intend to continue their work with various circles for Elders, women, and youth.