Be Part of the Solution
At AHANS, we believe everyone has a role to play in ending homelessness. From supporting local agencies to advocating for change, helping an individual includes providing support and connecting them to the resources they need for a long-term solution.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT GUIDE
We provide a community guide for all members of the community if they encounter an individual experiencing homelessness. This includes key steps to take, and a list of resources in HRM.
HOW TO HELP SOMEONE WHO IS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
Helping someone experiencing homelessness starts with Empathy
1.
Offer a connection to resources
2.
What to Expect: Connecting to Housing Services
3.
Approach with Kindness and Respect.
Ask if they would like to be connected with resources.
Organizations may ask for the individuals contact information to connect them with services.
RESOURCES IN HRM - ACCESS POINTS
Individuals and families in Halifax Regional Municipality may access services, including referrals into the Coordinated Access system and By-Name Data at the following locations:
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Atlantic Community Shelters Society
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HRM Homelessness Team
At AHANS, we are working toward Functional Zero Homelessness
A Functional Zero Concept aims to ensure there are enough services, housing, and shelter beds for everyone in need, ensuring homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.
Absolute Zero Homelessness is the concept where nobody experiences homelessness, and the number of emergencies is consistently dropping.
Graphic: Ending homelessness Definition, Canadian Observatory on Homelessness prepared by Alina Turner (2017)
Key Indicators for success are reliant on the following:
Lived Experience
Homelessness Systems
Public Systems
Our Approach is based off: Turner, A., Albanese, T. Pakeman, K. (2017) Discerning ‘Functional and Absolute Zero’: Defining and Measuring an End to Homelessness in Canada. School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.
Click the link below to view the document:
