Team digs deeper to meet needs of homeless

Building relationships and searching for long-term solutions have brought success for the Boyle Street Community Services Outreach Team when it comes to working with Edmonton’s homeless.

“It is important that our team is proactive,” said leader Aidan Inglis.

 A recent independent report undertaken by the City of Edmonton, which examined the actions of the Boyle Street Outreach Team from 2011-2013, attributes the team’s success in reaching its mandate to its ability to connect with people who live on the streets and assist them in transitioning to a stable lifestyle. 

“This is done by building a trusting relationship with clients, helping to determine their needs and supporting them in addressing their issues,” says the report.

The report puts the outreach team’s clientele at 57 per cent Aboriginal, noting that Edmonton’s overall Aboriginal population is only five per cent.

The outreach team rose from two people to six in 2011 as a result of a high homicide rate in the city, which saw many homeless falling victim. That was when Inglis came on and the area of outreach service expanded beyond the downtown and the River Valley areas.

Inglis says the team targets the usual spots as well as new areas when they hear about people sleeping in the bush or living on the streets.

Inglis credits support from the city, which includes good working relationships with Edmonton’s emergency services providers and park rangers, as one factor in the team’s success.

The report states that the outreach team is “crucial in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness to meet their immediate needs.” The most common immediate priorities of the team are clothing and food.

Inglis says that because the team consists of the “same core of guys it really makes a difference. It helps with the consistency and the clients don’t have to tell their stories over and over again.”

That rapport, he says, allows team members to delve deeper into their clients’ situations and get a better understanding of the root of the problems and what services are required to deal with those issues. It’s not simply about finding housing. It is also about providing accurate and quick referral services and following up to ensure the client’s needs have been met.

“That’s why our team has a lot of success. Instead of patching things up, we find the right fit and that means a better chance for long-term success,” said Inglis.

Inglis is pleased with the newly-created Heavy Users of Services project that will see health and social service providers, first responders, justice services, Aboriginal-focused organizations, and government representatives all working together to meet the needs of the city’s most vulnerable.

“It’s a really great step,” he said. “It takes a whole team to provide services. Any time we recognize that we all need to come to the table to do our parts, that’s a good thing.”

Inglis agrees with the report, which says more resources are needed to adequately meet the needs of those living on the streets.

“It’s a reality,” he said. “The housing shortage in our city impacts everyone, especially people with low income.”