HomeLinks
HomeLinks is part of Red Deer’s plan to end homelessness and provides intensive case management supports to individuals exiting homelessness. Through a broader systems framework and in collaboration with other service providers, the program assists individuals with finding and maintaining permanent housing and moving towards increased self-sufficiency.
Our program is based on a Housing First Model, offering supports for people to find and maintain permanent, affordable housing. Participation in HomeLinks can be up to 12-18 months in length with an additional year of follow-up support. Through case management, we support people in connecting to the community-based supports and resources that are essential to maintaining their housing and to prevent returning to homelessness.
RentSmart programs
There are three different RentSmart Programs: the RentSmart eight week certificate program; a one-time three hour RentSmart Basics program; and a RentSmart program for landlords. CMHA HomeLinks staff has been trained to deliver the eight week certificate program and the RentSmart Basics program. We hope to offer the landlord program soon. There is no fee for these programs. Call CMHA for more information or to register for upcoming programs. For more information, see: http://reddeer.cmha.ca/programs-services/rentsmart/
Landlord & Tenant Program
The role of the Landlord and Tenant Engagement Facilitator is to recruit landlords to provide suitable and affordable housing units for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This is accomplished by strengthening existing relationships with landlords and developing new collaborations with property owners, residential property managers, and property management firms.
The Landlord and Tenant Engagement Facilitator collaborates with HomeLinks, Central Alberta Women’s Outreach Society, and Red Deer Native Friendship Society to follow Housing First principles, including client choice, in the search of landlords and in obtaining rentals. The program will also host Tenant Information Sessions to learn about how to be a good tenant, guest management strategies, etc.
The goal of the Landlord and Tenant Program is to stably house clients in the rentals provided through the landlord engagement services.
Buffalo Housing First Community
The Buffalo Housing First Community is a 39 unit historic hotel owned by Potter’s Hands Housing who rents to the tenants. Using a Housing First, Harm Reduction philosophy, CMHA staff provide 24 hour wraparound support to individuals with a history of homelessness and other significant challenges related to addictions, mental health and/or brain injury so they can move directly off the street into permanent, supported housing.
How to Access the Program
If you are homeless and looking for housing, we can connect you to the Coordinated Entry team at Safe Harbour Society. They will meet with you and ask you some questions to help determine what you need and want. Then they will forward your information to a team of housing programs who decide which program is the best fit for you. It may be with CMHA, or it may be with another organization. If all of the housing programs are full, you will be put on a wait list until an appropriate spot opens up.
Safe Harbour 403-347-0181, 5246 53 Ave, Red Deer, AB, T4N 5K2