CUPS and HomeSpace: working together to build communities
CUPS and the HomeSpace Society have a partnership that runs deep.
Defined by more than just the brick and mortar of the facilities where people live, these organizations are creating spaces where CUPS clients feel connected as they work to improve their lives.
A partnership that started back in 2012 under the Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF), it was 2016 when the HomeSpace Society moved out from under CHF and became its own entity.
Over the last decade, this collaboration has grown to include four HomeSpace buildings with a total of 148 units.
In each of these facilities HomeSpace is the landlord. They are responsible for and oversee all building maintenance, leases, eviction notices and collect the rent from the tenants.
CUPS rents a resource room in each of the buildings, which are used to provide resources, meet with clients and hold programming for tenants in these spaces.
Setting a foundation for community engagement
What makes this relationship work so well, is that both CUPS and HomeSpace’s mission is to keep tenants safe, secure and happy in their housing. By forming a community, the organizations are helping to decrease social isolation which helps build back up individual, natural supports.
HomeSpace builds a community in its facilities by increasing everyone’s sense of belonging, safety, security, and happiness through several activities, including annual building cleanups with CUPS tenants.
This results in not only a clean building, but also allows everyone to feel connected to their community as they get to meet their neighbours and have fun.
Community is also rooted in learning and education. HomeSpace has hosted opportunities for CUPS tenants to learn more about tenant responsibilities and rights, how to tackle financial management, and developing communications and maintenance skills.
HomeSpace also serves as a big cheerleader for all of CUPS’ programs. They go the extra mile to empower tenants to actively engage with CUPS and the available support services, helping them to build resilience and a stronger future.
Housing is key to good health
Integrated care to support vulnerable members of our community is just that — it’s integrated. Housing and community play a profound role in the CUPS model and directly contribute to the physical and mental wellbeing of our clients.
With a roof over their heads and a community network as another support system, HomeSpace is helping CUPS elevate the opportunities for our clients to feel connected, engaged and supported on their journey forward.