Covenant Health Receives $5.6 million for homeless supportive living facility
March 23, 2010
On March 19, 2010, the provincial government, through the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, announced that Covenant Health will be receiving a $5.6 million grant to support the development of a 40-bed supportive living facility in Lethbridge. The new facility will provide housing and support services for homeless people with chronic or complex health conditions.
“This project is a wonderful opportunity to expand our scope as a healthcare provider,” said Patrick Dumelie, Covenant Health President and CEO. “Our vision is to be of greater service to Albertans, especially those who are most in need.” He notes that Covenant Health has a proven track record in providing compassionate, quality health care services to vulnerable populations—a legacy that began in this province 146 years ago thanks to the tireless, spirited work of its founding congregations.
Jonathan Denis, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, who made the announcement at a media conference in Lethbridge, indicated that ending homelessness must be a collaborative effort between government and organizations, such as Covenant Health, in order for them to be sustainable and effective.
One year into the provincial government’s 10 year plan to end homelessness, more than 900 homes have been approved and over 1,300 once-homeless people have been permanently housed, receiving the supports needed to help them become independent.
Providing housing and support services to the homeless makes good financial sense too. As Minister Denis noted, the average cost on the system for one homeless person is roughly $100,000 while the cost of housing that same person and giving them support, is about $35,000.
There is much work ahead for Covenant Health. In the coming months, best practices and successful models for this type of facility will be examined to help develop an effective, quality program in Lethbridge. Covenant Health will be working in partnership with the City of Lethbridge and engaging the community to ensure the facility is tailored to meet the needs of homeless seniors with chronic or complex health conditions.
Covenant Health is Canada’s largest Catholic provider of Health Care, with 16 facilities in 11 communities across Alberta, including St. Michael’s Health Centre, St. Therese Villa and Martha’s House in Lethbridge.
Click here to view the provincial government’s media release.
