The Case For Long-Term Supportive Housing

Year Published:  1984
Resource Type:  Article
Cx Number:  CX3018

Abstract: 
This report sets the issue of "homelessness" into a socioeconimic context, rather than focusing solely on the characteristics of the homeless person. Homelessness is defined as "the condition of low-income people who cannot find adequate, secure housing at a price they can afford." The authors point out that "As a society, we cope with homelessness by blaming and labelling the victims of our inability to provide adequate incomes for all." One consequence is that those trapped in this reaility experience a growing loss of self esteem and a sense of defeat that can lead to passivity or self-destructive behaviours.

To move toward the provision of adequate, secure, affordable housing demands "a shift in values and priorities. Rather than seeing housing as 'shelter' and a commodity, it must come to understand as a base commodity,it must come to understand as a base for living (a home) and a basic right. Hostels and transitiional residence cannot fulfill this function.

The paper documents the disappearance of rooming houses and increses in room rents in Toronto, and sets that against the levels of welfare and medical benefits provided. The authors critique the current organization of hostels, especially those of men, identifying the ways they conribute to homelessness.

Since the private sector no longer finds it sufficiently profitable to develop additional housing for low-income people, and the public sector currently doesn't produce enough such housing alternatives must be found. Theauthors suggest that "Social and charitable insitutions must become purchasers, managers, and developers of housing for single displaced persons because of the unprofitability....because they are seen as capable of managing 'hard to house' residents, and becuase they have access to public and charitable funds to subsidize rents and management."

Drawing upon their own experiences and that of others in establishing and managing long-term housing for single displaced men and women in Toronot, the authors suggest several operating principles for the kind of housing needed. The supportiveness of this housing is maximized in small groupings of residents who control their own living situations and with the aide of "facilitative staff." The housing should be located in neighbourhoods familar to the residents with easy access to the generic and social services they use. Managment requires more than property management. Organizaitonal forms are required that involve interactive decision-making with staff and residents, thus limiting size and bureaucarcy.

The report also outlines a number of complementary changes in public funding, income maintenance programs, social services, and public education which are necessary to support the provision of such housing by the voluntary sector.
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