The Olive Tree is branching out to help unhoused people get back on their feet.
Six people are now off the streets and getting various supports in a new effort called Homebase Lloydminster which has been building steam over the last few months.
Jana Thompson, chief operating officer says their outreach workers make contact with unhoused people to get a sense of their specific needs.
“We try to find affordable housing that would fit their situation. Through that, we also make the connection to dive into the deeper issues they may be having. So, whether it is addictions, mental health, or just financial issues or if they need financial education. All of those things that contribute to them being homeless.”
In-house the Olive Tree has two teams that do the heavy lifting for the Homebase program. They are the intensive and assertive case management teams. Those outreach teams could deal with anywhere from 10-20 clients with the assertive team coordinating supports that may include medical and addictions.
Some of their community partners comprise Lloydminster Region Housing Group, and Residents in Recovery, says Thompson who adds anyone wanting to get involved can get in touch with the Olive Tree via their website.
The non-profit will be launching their gift guides shortly which will include a home starter kit. The community can support that effort by providing things like blankets, utensils, cleaning supplies, and the other basics needed to turn a house into a home.
