PROGRAMS AT THE CENTRE OF HOPE

Intake Program:

The Centre of Hope’s Intake program provides the homeless and near homeless population with an exceptional day time drop in program.  Our Intake program will address patrons immediate practical needs which include; laundry and shower facilities, personal care and hygiene, nourishment, friendship, support and a listening ear. Our goal is to focus on the care and wellbeing of Fort McMurrays homeless, and near homeless population.

Housing First Program:

The Centre of Hope is a participant in Alberta’s 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness through the Housing First Program.  This model is based on the concept that housing is a basic human right, and a means of providing homeless individuals with the stability that is required to move forward.  The Program involves the support of a Housing First Coordinator who works around the unique needs of the individual to navigate the housing system in Fort McMurray and obtain shelter either through the private or subsidized market.  Often this includes securing identification and financial resources; subsequently the Coordinator works with the individual to identify attainable goals that will ultimately enhance one’s ability to maintain housing, employment, reintegrate into the community and build upon one’s sense of self.  Ideally the Program goal is to help the individual reach independence within a 12 month period, however, the Centre of Hope recognizes that each person is unique and requires varying degrees of support over time.  The Centre of Hope and all of our programs and services are geared towards helping the chronic homeless gain and maintain housing.

Going into 2012 there are 30 individuals accessing support through our Housing First Program.  14 of these Individuals are currently housed!

Cecile’s Place 

Cecile’s Place (est. September 2011) is a four bedroom house occupied by three to four women who are recognized for the various strengths they possess in likeness to its namesake, the late Cecile Boucher.  Following the Housing First model, the women are provided an opportunity to cohabit with a House Mentor in congruence with support from a Housing First Coordinator; assistance addressing barriers such as medical issues, addictions, unemployment and mental health is offered.  Cecile’s Place may be short or long term residence depending on the goals of the individual residents.  Currently there are 3 Ladies residing at Cecile’s Place; these women are gaining support through their Housing First Coordinator, their house mentor as well as other resources in our community. 

Fund Development 

Our Fund Development Program is run by our Fund development Coordinator who also leads a Fundraising Committee of approximately 6 volunteers. The Centre of Hope operates on grants received by various funding sources in our community however continued fundraising is a necessity for the Centre to provide services to our Patrons. It is essential that our Fund Development Coordinator is continuously holding events to raise funds for the Centre. The Fund Development Coordinator wears many hats at the Centre of Hope and is constantly busy raising awareness of what the Centre of Hope does and what the Centre of Hope needs. 

Outreach: 

The main role of the Centre of Hope Outreach program is to focus on the care and wellbeing of all individuals experiencing homelessness that are accessing the Centre of Hope.

The outreach program, currently has on outreach worker who advocates for our patrons and supports them in the following ways:

  • Assists with acquiring identification
  • Help with treatment planning
  • Provide transportation to appointments
  • Help provide access to health care
  • Referrals to other community agencies
  • Provide access to phone to reconnect with family
  • Provide access to phone for employment purposes
  • Help with needed prescriptions
  • Help with dental care
  • Assist with resumes
  • Transportation to public health
  • Transportation to detox facility
  • Provide help with income tax
  • Listening ear
  • Oversees the Women’s Wellness Program
  • Street outreach