Combatting Homelessness in Canada: Applying Lessons Learned from Six Tiny Villages to the Edmonton Bridge Healing...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Sciences
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Homelessness is a persistent public health issue in Canada.
• Hospital emergency departments (ED) are frequently accessed by individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Innovative solutions are needed to address the complex needs of this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the success factors of Tiny Villages.
• To apply these findings to enhance the Bridge Healing Program in Edmonton.
• To evaluate the Bridge Healing Program's potential impact on healthcare utilization and costs.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of six successful Tiny Villages.
• Identification of common elements contributing to Tiny Village success.
• Application of identified strategies to the Bridge Healing Program model.

Main Results:

• Four key elements of successful Tiny Villages identified: strong community, public support, flexible funding, and post-program affordable housing.
• The Bridge Healing Program incorporates these elements through its team, services, and housing connections.
• The program shows potential to decrease repeat ED visits, ED length of stay, and associated healthcare expenditures.

Conclusions:

• The Bridge Healing Program aligns with successful Tiny Village principles.
• The program offers a novel approach to homelessness by integrating healthcare and housing services.
• This initiative has the potential to significantly improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare system burden.