Calgary – McMan Calgary: The James House
GOAL:
The overall goal of the aging in the right place (AIRP) project is to improve the shelter and housing options to meet the unique and complex health and social needs of older persons experiencing homelessness across Canada.
ABOUT THE JAMES HOUSE:
The James House is a transitional housing program serving 27 individuals experiencing homelessness over the course of 10 to 12 months before moving them on to permanent housing. Operating from Housing First, Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Practice models of care, The James House offers a variety of professional and personal supports to foster resident鈥檚 wellbeing and growth, and prepare them to move to long-term housing.
PROVIDER INTERVIEWS:
Staff key informants shared how the James House supported AIRP by building a sense of safety, trust, and community with clients and working collaboratively with them to accomplish goals. Staff described the importance of using harm reduction and client- centred approaches to support this demographic.
ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT:
The James House鈥檚 built environment promotes AIRP through the inclusion of communal areas for socialization, private units, and access to outdoor space. Some barriers to accessibility and issues with ventilation were noted.
CLIENT PHOTOVOICE INTERVIEWS:
Clients shared that a sense of community built through relationships with staff and other residents contributed to AIRP. Also, having privacy, access to outdoor space, and receiving practical supports were also important to AIRP. Many spoke of increased feelings of well- being and hope as a result of their stay.