Medicine Hat Becomes First City in Canada To End Chronic Homelessness

Abstract

Medicine Hat is part of Built for Zero Canada, a national movement of 39 communities working to end chronic and veteran homelessness as a first step to ending all homelessness, powered by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness.

The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness confirmed the achievement of this system-disrupting BFZ Canada community.

Now, Medicine Hat will work to sustain functional zero and work towards absolute zero on chronic homelessness. At the same time, they will turn their attention to expanding to focus on zero for all homeless populations in their community.

Author Kaitlyn Ranney presents this case study which outlines a focus on Housing First, and the inclusion of people with lived experience of homelessness at the table and involved in the work. “It’s really about human dignity and treating people with respect,” said Ted Clugston, Mayor of Medicine Hat.

“It’s easy to listen about homelessness in Vancouver or Victoria, but if you have to step over someone on your way to work or to get to the ATM, you need to do something in your own community.”