“Helping people get housed and remain permanently housed”
On Monday 24 March, the members of the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat had the pleasure of a presentation by Robin Miiller, the Chief Administrative Officer of the MHCHS.
Robin has lived in Medicine Hat all her life and has worked for the MHCHS for no less than 40 years!
Members were given a great summary of the focus, funding, programs, and challenges of this society.
The MHCHS has two core business functions:
- Homeless and Housing Development Initiatives
The MHCHS has been established as the Community Based Organization (CBO) and Community Entity (CE) for Medicine Hat, charged with leading and implementing the local Plan to End Homelessness. These two organizations are established for the purposes of administering funding from the province and the federal government, respectively.
Historically, the MHCHS receives $1m from the Government of Canada annually, and $3.1m from the Government of Alberta.
A change in funding direction is, however, planned for 1 April 2025. Community Programs (see below) funded with provincial funding will in future receive funding directly from the provincial government.
From April 2009 to February 28, 2025, the number of formerly homeless or at risk of homelessness individuals who have been housed through these funding streams are:
- Adults: 1,844
- Children: 636
There are a number of Community Programs that are supported through the funding from the federal and provincial governments, delivered by different organizations (see in brackets):
- Housing Link (MHCHS)
- Youth Hub Outreach; Roots Youth Shelter (McMan)
- Cultural Connections; Housing Stabilization Support (Miywasin)
- Expanded Social Work and Casual Cash Employment Program (MH Public Library)
- Graduate Rental Assistance Initiative (MHCHS)
- Housing Programs
The MHCHS has been established as a Housing Management Body (HMB) by Ministerial Order. A HMB administers social housing programs for the government under the Alberta Housing Act. These are: Social Housing; Affordable Housing; Permanent Supportive Housing Units; and Rent Supplements for people living in privately owned rental accommodations.
The statistics for 2024 are: 1213 households assisted, representing 1,432 adults and 1028 children.
Specialized support services in a residential setting are provided through partnerships with Redi Enterprises, McMan Sober Living, Permanent Supportive Housing, and the Drug Treatment Court, facilitated through McMan.
New projects
Robin also shared information about two new projects of the MHCHS:
- ARCH Medicine Hat is a pilot action research project focusing on chronic homelessness.
- Spencer Street Affordable Housing Construction Project which is a new affordable housing project scheduled to break ground in July 2025. The target is to build between 60 and 80 units on this site.
The presentation was followed by questions which generated additional interesting information, including the following:
- The MHCHS does not have a formal volunteer program. There may be potential volunteer opportunities some time in the future, for example to support life skills development for some clients.
- Funding for supports to help people increase their housing stability, and funding to increase the affordable housing options in the community were identified as areas of need.
- There are over 500 households on the waiting list for low-income housing.
- Recognizing that many in the community are unaware of what the MHCHS does in the community, the society is discussing the importance of a communication strategy, to inform the public about all the existing programs on offer, and their impact.
- It is important to know that some of the people who appear to be ‘homeless’ are in fact not homeless, even though this a label many people place on them. At times people who are seen on the streets may be exhibiting the effects of an active addiction, or a mental health condition. Although this contributes to the social disorder that is visible on the streets of the community, it does not necessarily mean they are homeless.
- There are programs that people can access if they choose to. However, some are not ready, or are not yet in a place where they can make healthy choices, and so they remain unhoused. There are many challenges that remain to be addressed, and the MHCHS will continue to work with their community partners in this effort.
- If people are struggling with their rental situation, or with a landlord who is not fulfilling their responsibility, please refer them to the MHCHS who also helps with educating tenants and landlords about their rights and responsibilities.
Thank you, Robin! And a big thank you to the MHCHS for being such an important and active resource in our community.
Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3T8
Canada