Agency: CUPS Calgary Society
Please note: Names and identifying information have been changed to protect anonymity.
Homes4Health was referred an individual who was well-known to staff from previous encounters in the sector and who had struggled with housing for a long time – being through Alpha House Community Housing and Abbeydale Place Based Supportive Housing already. At the time, they were staying in shelter and experiencing some health issues related to mismanaging their diabetes and high alcohol use. They ended up in the hospital and had one of their legs amputated above the knee, due to complications related to the diabetes. Hospital moved to discharge without having anywhere for this individual to go, and Homes4Health were able to put them into a hotel for a few days while we arranged for their move-in to the Legacy building. Unfortunately, this time of their life was full of grief and loss, and their substance use was high – resulting in an eviction related to guest management and disruption of other tenants. Shortly after this eviction, the individual ended up back in hospital where they had another above the knee amputation.
This event seemed to be a catalyst for change for the individual. They started working on recovery – sobriety, reconnecting with their faith and their culture and their family. They stayed in hospital for about 4 months. In hospital they remained sober, continued to be a pillar in the Indigenous street community by arranging memorials for lost souls, and maintained a positive attitude toward life. Homes4Health collaborated with the hospital to ensure they were getting set up with proper mobility aids, physiotherapy and desired cultural supports. They expressed the desire to move back to the reserve, and PLC and Homes4Health supported the application to the SikSika Elders Lodge. Close to the end of August, the Homes4Health team were able to move the individual out of the hospital, directly into the Lodge. They can stay there as long as they need with all of the supports they require. As soon as their AISH application is approved, they will be graduated out of Homes4Health.
