You need not be a mathematician, historian or English professor to know that ‘proactive government’ equals a big oxymoron. But finally, it pleases me to say that our society may be showing a hint of civilization after all. Since 2008, the provincial government of Alberta has heavily invested in affordable housing for what is part of an attempt to end homelessness over the next 10 years.
The program is designed around the housing first philosophy, also known as Rapid Re-housing. It is currently up and working in many capitol cities across the United States and has now finally touched down in Canada (Alberta and Vancouver). The idea behind the philosophy is to secure a home for all people currently homeless or facing homelessness. Providing a stable home is the first step in a long process which addresses all mental and physical health concerns, and provides free education in order to allow individuals the chance to regain control of their lives.
This program is absolutely necessary and long overdue. Unfortunately it will only work as intended if the assistance truly goes beyond providing housing and delves into the heart of each individual’s personal issue(s). Every year, conditions caused from homelessness claim many lives including children. Unfortunately, it is not only individuals that end up homeless, but rather whole families. No price is too great to pay to provide the gift of private shelter and practical social assistance to every citizen of our country.
