With former Cochrane mayoral candidate and businessman David Smith behind the helm, the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area (BGCA) is getting ready to implement the first phase of their youth housing initiative — the ‘Safe Couch Program’.
“On any given day, there are at least 25-30 homeless youth in Cochrane — but it’s really hard to get accurate numbers,” explained Smith, who came on board with the BGCA three months ago as their youth housing liaison.
These estimations are largely based on a needs assessment study conducted by the BGCA, beginning in 2012 and wrapping up in early 2014; Cochrane has continued to have explosive growth and it is likely these numbers have only increased.
Rural youth homelessness is particularly difficult to identify, as it is largely hidden — whereby families ‘double up’ and youth couch surf from home to home; many of these youth do not turn to RCMP or social services for help, for fear of discovery of addiction, abuse or family violence from authorities; refer to an article, “Cochrane not immune to youth homelessness” in the Eagle published July 10, 2014 for more details (available online).
Smith was brought on board as a result of a grant received by the local youth club last November. The Alberta Rural Development Network awarded over $2M to various communities seeking to tackle rural homelessness.
The Cochrane club received a grant for $375,209. This seed money has gotten the ball rolling to move the club’s research on rural youth homelessness into the action phase — also to continue support for at-risk youth, as well as hire a full-time youth housing liaison (Smith).
In order to get the ‘Safe Couch Program’ up and running before summer, Smith said now is the time for Cochrane individuals/families/retired couples/seniors with big hearts and an extra room to get in touch with the club.
Successful candidates would also have to go through a criminal record check. A match would then be put together by the club — connecting a youth with an adult who is able to provide three meals a day, a bed, a safe and secure environment (with parameters and rules in place).
The BGCA would provide ongoing ‘wrap-around care’, including support to reconnect the youth with their family (if that option was possible), school, employment and counseling services.
“It’s a ‘housing first’ approach,” said Smith, who is thrilled to be back working with vulnerable youth — something that rings a bell of familiarity with him.
Smith’s history of working with at-risk youth dates back some 30 years, where he began his career as a recreational therapist working with street kids and young offenders in Vancouver.
Following some 12 years in this field, including the development of some ‘groundbreaking techniques’, Smith transitioned this into his work as a management consultant coaching business leaders — eventually winding up in Cochrane.
“It’s kind of full circle for me,” he smiled. “The exciting part for me is to help develop a program here.”
Smith is currently working with BGCA youth program coordinator, Adelle Forzley, to develop short-term and long-term strategies to tackle youth homelessness.
Part of their work includes visiting communities across the province to see what models have /have not worked and to secure more long-term funding.
The BGCA provides services to some 1,200 youth a year. Their programs range from childcare services to summer camps, annual events, youth activity nights and birthday parties; visit bgccochrane.ca.
To learn more about the ‘Safe Couch Program’, contact David Smith at 403-671-4865 or Adelle Forzley at 403-463-0853.
