FCSS tackles homelessness and isolation

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Strathmore FCSS has undertaken three projects to address housing insecurity and isolation among Strathmore residents.

The projects were funded fully or in part by external grant funding focused on resilience during COVID-19.

2020 Housing and Service 

Provision Estimation Project

The 2020 Housing and Service Provision Estimation Project was a survey initiative conducted in partnership with the Rural Development Network to assess the needs of residents, with a focus on housing and support to increase housing security. Strathmore was one of 24 communities that participated.

The project, funded by the federal government, builds upon a similar pilot project conducted in 2018. The results of this study, as presented in 2018 Alberta Rural Homelessness Report, show about half of respondents from Strathmore said their housing situation was unstable, that they could easily lose their housing, or were unsure whether their housing was stable. Respondents said lack of money, unaffordable rent or mortgage, mental health structures, medical conditions and job loss were the most common factors affecting the living situation of respondents.

Housing instability support

Strathmore FCSS offered multiple supports focused on preventing homelessness and housing instability. These programs were supported by the Rural Development Network and federal Reaching Home funding. With this funding, Strathmore FCSS could offer expanded delivery of an array of services, which helped over 240 families, including finding housing for 18 families.

Keep in Touch

The third program is helping to reduce social isolation of seniors and vulnerable residents through a volunteer-based program offering companionship through telephone calls. This program, created through a partnership between Wheatland FCSS and Strathmore FCSS with the support of Volunteer Lethbridge, promotes a sense of purpose for volunteers and participants, mental wellness, and improved access to support and resources.

The program will start to be offered during Seniors’ Week, which starts June 7. 

Strathmore FCSS will be seeking both seniors who would like the added connection, as well as volunteers who are interested in helping.