JuLY 2017 London’s Emergency ShelterS Progress Report: 2011 – 2016 PREPARED BY: HOMELESS PREVENTION NEIGHBOURHOOD, CHILDREN, AND FIRE SERVICES CITY OF LONDON London’s Emergency ShelterS 2 London’s Emergency Shelters Progress Report: 2011 – 2016 Prepared by: Homeless Prevention Neighbourhood, Children, and Fire Services City of London CITATION INFORMATION Suggested citation: Homeless Prevention, Neighbourhood, Children, and Fire Services, City of London (2017). London’s Emergency Shelters Progress Report: 2011-2016. London, ON: City of London. Retrieved from: http://www.london.ca Table of Contents 4 METHODOLOGY 5 A SnapShot Of The Data 7 Who is Using London’s Emergency Shelters? 8 How Are London’s Emergency Shelters Being Used? 16 MOVING TO ACTION 23 London’s Emergency ShelterS Introduction 3 Conclusion 26 INTRODUCTION PURPOSE OF THE REPORT London’s Emergency Shelters Progress Report: 2011-2016 examines the use of London’s emergency shelters between 2011 and 2016. The analysis of billing data over this six-year period provided an opportunity to consider trends in emergency shelter use in London. The results help inform the development of solutions to address, reduce, and prevent homelessness in London. LONDON’S HOMELESS PREVENTION SYSTEM London’s Emergency ShelterS The City of London’s Homeless Prevention System is a coordinated and integrated Housing First approach, centred on both individuals and families. This approach is outcome focused and designed to address, reduce, and prevent homelessness in London. 4 In London, emergency shelters provide a bed, basic needs, and some support to individuals and/or families who are experiencing homelessness, and are aimed at meeting immediate, short-term needs. Mission Services of London, The Salvation Army Centre of Hope, and Unity Project for Relief of Homelessness in London receive funding through the City of London to operate emergency shelter beds for individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis. Under London’s Homeless Prevention System, emergency shelters contribute to solving homelessness through prevention, diversion, and rapid re-housing. The focus is on moving out of shelter versus moving in, reducing the number of individuals relying on emergency shelters, and implementing an integrated homeless management information system. Through these efforts, and the integration of the other elements of the System, it is anticipated there will be a reduction in the length of emergency shelter stays and a reduction of year-over-year emergency shelter use. EMERGENCY SHELTERS: A DEFINITION AND OVERVIEW Emergency shelters play an important role in the continuum of services available to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. An emergency shelter is intended to provide immediate, short-term accommodation and basic needs for individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis. At the time of this report, the funding to emergency shelters was based on a per diem model for individuals and families staying in shelter. METHODOLOGY APPROACH TO DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data was collected through the invoices submitted for the use of emergency shelter beds funded by the City of London between 2011 and 2016. Data from the following four emergency shelters was used to complete this report: • Men’s Mission and Rehabilitation Centre, Mission Services of London • Rotholme Women’s and Family Shelter, Mission Services of London • The Salvation Army Centre of Hope • Unity Project for Relief of Homelessness in London Crash bed data is also not included in this report. While partially funded by the City of London, the nature of crash beds is different than that of emergency shelters. Information from emergency shelter bed invoices was compiled and examined to identify unique individuals. Data was then analyzed at the total, aggregate level for each year of billing information. Statistics were compared across each year from 2011 to 2016 to understand trends in the data. The results include both families and single adults. It was found that some adults accessed Rotholme Women’s and Family Shelter as a family and other emergency shelters as a single adult. Therefore, all adults were included in the results, regardless of the emergency shelters they accessed. DATA LIMITATIONS Billing data from emergency shelters was used to prepare this report. Billing data provided sufficient data to conduct a trend analysis. However, it is not without some limitations, such as: Data Quality. Data recording inconsistencies, such as inconsistent spelling of an individual’s name, different birth dates recorded for the same individual, and inconsistent formatting of how dates were recorded were found in the original data set. Data omissions, such as a missing health card number, Social Insurance Number, or gender, also provided a challenge to the data analysis process. A thorough data cleaning process was conducted to prepare a complete data set for analysis. London’s Emergency ShelterS Violence Against Women (VAW) emergency shelters, including Women's Community House and Zhaawanong Shelter, do not receive funding from the City of London Homeless Prevention. VAW shelters, therefore, do not report on emergency shelter use directly to the City of London and are not included in this report. 5 Double Booking. According to the billing data, there were a few individuals registered in two different emergency shelters on the same night, meaning their number of visits and number of nights stayed were overcounted. As a result of this double booking, some individuals were reported as staying at an emergency shelter more than 365 days in the year. To better understand long-term shelter use and the extent of double booking, data was analyzed to identify the number of individuals who stayed in shelter more than 11 months (over 335 days), exactly 365 days, and over 365 days. Data Source. The source of invoices used to create the data set for the report only included emergency shelters in London and did not include VAW emergency shelters. Between 2015 and 2016, Women’s Community House served 629 unique individuals, representing 443 women and 186 children.1 Some women and children who stay at VAW emergency shelters may also access the other emergency shelters in London, and therefore may be included in the report analysis. However, those who only accessed VAW emergency shelters are not included in this report. Therefore, the report is limited in being able to provide a complete picture of homelessness in London, particularly for women and children experiencing homelessness. London’s Emergency ShelterS 6 1 omen’s Community House. (2016). 2015/16 Annual Report. Retrieved from http://shelterlondon.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ W WCH16-AnnReport-8p-WEB.pdf A Snapshot DATA OF THE 10,782 UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS2 ACCESSED LONDON’S EMERGENCY SHELTERS 18% DECREASE FROM JANUARY 1, 2011 TO DECEMBER 31, 2016. 16 39 49% YEARS OLD THE AVERAGE AGE OF EMERGENCY SHELTER RESIDENTS.3 OF EMERGENCY SHELTER RESIDENTS WERE BETWEEN 18 – 39 YEARS OLD. DECREASE 25 RESIDENTS OR FEWER 76% 24% NIGHTS IN SHELTER 76% OF EMERGENCY SHELTER RESIDENTS WERE MALE AND 24% WERE FEMALE.4 1 10+ EMERGENCY SHELTER VISITS DECREASE INCREASE Includes dependent children and youth. Excludes dependent children and youth. 4 Where gender was reported. 3 NIGHTS IN SHELTER INCREASE DECREASE IN SHELTER RESIDENTS STAYING 25 OR FEWER NIGHTS AND AN INCREASE IN SHELTER RESIDENTS STAYING 26+ NIGHTS. TIME EMERGENCY SHELTER VISITS 2 26+ 21% 2016 41 2011 34 NUMBER OF NIGHTS INCREASE 2X MALES, ON AVERAGE, STAYED IN EMERGENCY SHELTER FOR ABOUT TWICE AS MANY NIGHTS AS FEMALES. London’s Emergency ShelterS 18 DECREASE IN THE YOUNGEST AGE OF INDEPENDENT YOUTH ACCESSING EMERGENCY SHELTER. 18% DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS ACCESSING EMERGENCY SHELTER, FROM 3,400 IN 2011 TO 2,777 IN 2016. 7 21% INCREASE IN THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF NIGHTS STAYED IN EMERGENCY SHELTER, FROM 34 NIGHTS IN 2011 TO 41 NIGHTS IN 2016. Who Is using LONDON’S EMERGENCY SHELTERS? NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ACCESSED EMERGENCY SHELTERS Over a six-year period, from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2016, 10,782 unique individuals accessed London’s emergency shelters. This number includes both adults and dependent children and youth.5 London’s Emergency ShelterS Change 2011-2016 8 -623 (-18%) 2011 » 3,400 2012 » 3,249 2013 » 3,143 2014 » 2,837 2015 » 2,670 2016 » 2,777 TOTAL 10,782 Between 2011 and 2015, the number of unique individuals accessing emergency shelter decreased each year, and then increased in 2016. There were 623 fewer individuals accessing emergency shelter in London in 2016 (2,777 individuals) than in 2011 (3,400 individuals), representing an 18% decrease. Of the individuals who accessed emergency shelter in 2016, 45% were new shelter users who had not accessed emergency shelter in any previous year. 10,782 represents the total number of unique individuals who accessed emergency shelter over a six-year period from 2011-2016. The yearly totals are also representative of unique individuals, but only for the specific reporting year. Some individuals accessed emergency shelters in multiple years. Therefore, the sum of individuals accessing emergency shelters in 2011 (3,400 individuals), 2012 (3,249 individuals), 2013 (3,143 individuals), 2014 (2,837 individuals), 2015 (2,670 individuals), and 2016 (2,777 individuals) is higher than the six-year total of 10,782. 5 PERCENTAGE OF ADULTS AND CHILDREN ACCESSING EMERGENCY SHELTERS Approximately three times as many adult males accessed emergency shelter, compared to adult females. About one-tenth of individuals who accessed emergency shelter were dependent children and youth. Although the number of individuals accessing emergency shelter has decreased overall since 2011, the number of dependent children and youth accessing emergency shelter has remained constant. WERE ADULT MALES 21% WERE ADULT FEMALES 11 % WERE DEPENDENT CHILDREN AND YOUTH 2 % DID NOT REPORT THEIR GENDER London’s Emergency ShelterS Between 2011 and 2016, the distribution of adults and children accessing emergency shelter has generally remained the same. 66% 9 AGE AGE DISTRIBUTION OF EMERGENCY SHELTER RESIDENTS 30 – 39 13% 13% 12% 7% 7% 7% 7% 7% 14% 16% 15% 14% 50 – 59 8% 25 – 29 16% 17% 17% 16% 17% 18% 40 – 49 2016 14% 14% 14% 2015 13% 2014 18 – 24 19% 19% 23% 22% 21% 21% 21% 21% 17 OR YOUNGER 15% 16% 15% 13% 2013 13% 13% 2012 12% 10% 8% London’s Emergency ShelterS 8% 2011 14% Since 2011, the age category with the greatest increase was individuals aged 17 or younger,6 which increased from 8% in 2011 to 13% in 2015 and remained at 13% in 2016. The age category with the greatest decrease since 2011 was individuals 50-59 years old, decreasing from 17% in 2011 to 14% in 2016. 60 OR OLDER 10 Individuals aged 30-39 have consistently represented the largest percentage of individuals, comprising between 21% and 23% of all emergency shelter residents since 2011. Individuals aged 60 years and older have consistently represented the smallest percentage of individuals, comprising approximately 7% of all emergency shelter residents since 2011. 6 Includes dependent children and youth. AGE RANGE AND AVERAGE AGE YOUNGEST AGE AVERAGE AGE OLDEST AGE 2011 18 39 96 2012 17 38 84 2013 16 39 87 2014 15 39 95 2015 16 39 82 2016 16 39 83 The age of the youngest independent individual to access emergency shelter decreased each year between 2011 and 2014, from 18 to 15 years old, before increasing in 2015 to 16 years old, where it remained in 2016. The age of the oldest individual has varied each year, with an overall decrease from 96 years old in 2011 to 83 years old in 2016. The average age of emergency shelter users has generally remained consistent since 2011 at 39 years old. London’s Emergency ShelterS YEAR GENDER GENDER OF ADULTS ACCESSING EMERGENCY SHELTER Between 2011 and 2016, the ratio of adult males to adult females accessing emergency shelter has remained consistent, with adult males comprising approximately three quarters and adult females comprising approximately one quarter of emergency shelter residents. 76% WERE MALES 24% WERE FEMALES 11 GENDER AND AGE DISTRIBUTION AGE DISTRIBUTION OF INDEPENDENT ADULT MALES 30 – 39 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 0% 7 24% 23% 22% 21% 10% London’s Emergency ShelterS 3% 27% 22% 21% 18% 9% 60 OR OLDER 3% 25% 25% 20% 18% 9% 50 – 59 2% 25% 23% 22% 19% 9% 40 – 49 3% 24% 25% 19% 20% 9% 20 – 29 5% 24% 23% 20% 19% 9% 19 OR YOUNGER 12 7 A total of eight adult males were aged 19 years or younger; however, due to rounding, this shows as 0%. AGE DISTRIBUTION OF INDEPENDENT ADULT FEMALES 60 OR OLDER 8% 35% 25% 15% 11% 6% 50 – 59 2011 2012 2013 7% 32% 30% 17% 10% 4% 39% 22% 17% 13% 5% 40 – 49 6% 35% 25% 17% 11% 6% 4% 30 – 39 8% 35% 24% 18% 10% 5% 20 – 29 2014 2015 2016 Between 2011 and 2016, the distribution of adult males across each age category of emergency shelter users has remained fairly consistent. Although the distribution of adult females over 40 years old has remained consistent, the distribution of adult females under 40 years old has changed. Between 2011 and 2016, the percentage of females 20-29 years old decreased from 38% to 32%, while the percentage of females aged 19 or younger increased from 2% in 2011 to 7% in 2016. Further, the age category of females 30-39 years old experienced the greatest increase between 2011 and 2016, increasing from 23% in 2011 to 30% in 2016. When comparing male and female populations, females under 30 years of age constituted a greater percentage of female emergency shelter users compared to males of the same age category. However, younger individuals, both male and female, have consistently represented a greater percentage of the total number of emergency shelter users compared to older individuals. London’s Emergency ShelterS 2% 38% 23% 19% 12% 6% 19 OR YOUNGER 13 GENDER, AGE RANGE, AND AVERAGE AGE MALES London’s Emergency ShelterS 14 YOUNGEST AVERAGE OLDEST 2011 18 41 96 2012 17 41 84 2013 17 49 87 2014 15 40 95 2015 16 40 82 2016 16 40 83 YOUNGEST AVERAGE OLDEST 2011 18 36 82 2012 17 36 81 2013 16 35 84 2014 17 35 79 2015 16 36 80 2016 16 35 83 FEMALES Overall, the youngest age of independent males and females has decreased by two years between 2011 and 2016. Since 2011, the oldest age of independent individuals accessing emergency shelter varied each year, with an overall decrease of 13 years for males and increase of one year for females. The average age for both independent males and females has remained fairly consistent since 2011, with the exception of the average age for independent males, which increased to 49 years in 2013. Between 2011 and 2016, the average age of independent males accessing emergency shelter has remained consistently higher than the average age of female shelter users. EMERGENCY SHELTER USE BY INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF 25 Youth accessing emergency shelter require different supports compared to adults accessing emergency shelter. There is also diversity within the category of “youth,” as individuals at varying stages in their development require different interventions. Understanding youth involvement in the emergency shelter system will help ensure the proper supports are made available. Since 2011, the number of individuals under the age of 25 accessing emergency shelter has decreased from 394 in 2011 to 356 in 2016. NUMBER OF INDEPENDENT YOUTH, UNDER 25, WHO ACCESSED EMERGENCY SHELTER 2011 2012 2013 22-24: -79 (-30%) 2014 2015 182 126 48 183 139 193 184 22 – 24 74 249 19 – 21 188 63 247 170 27 261 129 4 UNDER 19 19-21: -3 (-2%) 56 Under 19: +44 (1100%) London’s Emergency ShelterS Change 2011-2016 2016 The number of independent youth under 19 years of age accessing emergency shelter increased each year between 2011 and 2014, from four individuals in 2011 to 74 individuals in 2014, before decreasing in 2015 to 56 individuals and again in 2016 to 48 individuals. The number of independent youth 19-21 years of age accessing emergency shelter also increased each year between 2011 and 2013, and has decreased each year since 2014. Between 2011 and 2016, the number of independent youth aged 22-24 years old accessing emergency shelter has decreased by 30% from 261 individuals in 2011 to 182 individuals in 2016. 15 How are London’s EMERGENCY SHELTERS BEING USED? NUMBER OF VISITS8 NUMBER OF VISITS TO EMERGENCY SHELTERS 50% London’s Emergency ShelterS 16 Change 2011-2016 40% 1 Visit: -662 (-41%) 2012 2011 2013 10+ Visits: +257 (178%) 2014 2015 2016 30% 20% 10% 0% 1 VISIT 2 VISITS 3 VISITS 4 VISITS 5 VISITS 6 VISITS 7 VISITS 8 VISITS 9 VISITS 10+ VISITS Since 2011, the percentage of unique individuals for whom emergency shelter use was a one-time event has decreased from about half of all visits to one-third of all visits. Conversely, the number of individuals accessing emergency shelter more than ten times has nearly tripled since 2011, increasing from 4% (144 individuals) in 2011 to 14% (401 individuals) in 2016. Between 2011 and 2016, the overall percentage of individuals who used emergency shelter between two and nine times remained fairly consistent. The maximum number of emergency shelter visits increased from 31 visits in 2011 to 57 visits in 2016, representing an increase of 84%. 8 T he number of visits refers to the number of times, regardless of the number of nights stayed, that an individual used an emergency shelter per year. This number includes dependent children and youth. NUMBER OF EMERGENCY SHELTERS VISITED 2014 2015 44% 47% 9% 44% 44% 50% 45% 2013 6% 46% 50% 5% 49% 46% 5% 2012 MADE 10+ VISITS TOTAL TO 3 SHELTERS 2016 It is possible for an individual to visit more than one emergency shelter in London. Of the individuals who made ten or more visits to emergency shelters between 2011 and 2016, few made visits to only one shelter.9 Most individuals who made ten or more visits to emergency shelter visited two or three different shelters. This pattern remained consistent between 2011 and 2016. Visits to Rotholme Women's and Family Shelter were excluded from this analysis because only families are eligible to stay at this shelter. 9 London’s Emergency ShelterS 2011 MADE 10+ VISITS TOTAL TO 2 SHELTERS 10% 48% 47% 5% MADE 10+ VISITS TOTAL TO 1 SHELTER 17 NUMBER OF NIGHTS STAYED10 NUMBER OF NIGHTS STAYED IN EMERGENCY SHELTER 18 51 – 100 NIGHTS 22% 24% 23% 21% 2% 2% 2% 2% 1% 1% 26 – 50 NIGHTS 7% 8% 7% 6% 6% 6% 101 – 250 NIGHTS 2016 21% 2015 20% 28% 28% 28% 30% 2014 6 – 25 NIGHTS 14% 12% 12% 13% 12% 12% 1 – 5 NIGHTS 29% 2013 31% 27% 2012 26% 28% 28% 31% London’s Emergency ShelterS 30% 2011 251 – 365 NIGHTS Since 2011, the percentage of unique individuals who stayed in emergency shelter for 25 or fewer nights decreased from 61% in 2011 to 55% in 2016. The percentage of individuals who stayed between 26 and 50 nights remained fairly consistent between 2011 and 2016, while the percentage of individuals staying over 50 nights in emergency shelter increased from 19% in 2011 to 23% in 2016. 10 umber of nights stayed refers to the total number of nights an individual stayed in shelter. This number includes dependent N children and youth. OCCUPANCY RATE Occupancy rate refers to the ratio of occupied beds compared to the total number of beds available. The occupancy rates below represent the average of the four emergency shelters. OCCUPANCY RATE VERSUS UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS OCCUPANCY RATE 3249 2011 2012 2013 2014 2777 2670 90% 90% 90% 86% 87% 2837 2015 2016 While the number of unique individuals accessing emergency shelter has decreased since 2011, the occupancy rate has increased, indicating individuals are staying longer in emergency shelter. The number of unique individuals decreased from 3,400 individuals in 2011 to 2,777 individuals in 2016, and the occupancy rate increased from 87% in 2011 to 98% in 2016. London’s Emergency ShelterS 3143 98% 3400 UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS 19 AVERAGE NIGHTS STAYED Change 2011-2016 London’s Emergency ShelterS 20 +7 (21%) YEAR 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 AVERAGE NIGHTS STAYED 34 35 36 38 41 41 Since 2011, the average number of nights stayed in emergency shelter has increased, from 34 nights in 2011 to 41 nights in 2016, representing an average increase of seven nights in shelter. NUMBER OF NIGHTS STAYED OVER 365 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2015 2016 335 TO 364 NIGHTS 4 10 12 11 17 17 8 365 NIGHTS 3 1 1 4 77 3 OVER 365 NIGHTS 7 7 4 5 22 5 TOTAL INDIVIDUALS 14 18 17 20 26 26 16 The number of individuals who stayed in shelter 11 months or more (over 335 days) almost doubled between 2011 and 2015, increasing from 14 individuals in 2011 to 26 individuals in 2015, before decreasing to 16 individuals in 2016. The number of individuals staying more than 365 nights decreased from seven individuals in 2011 to five individuals in 2016. These individuals likely registered in more than one emergency shelter on the same night, resulting in them being over counted. AGE AND AVERAGE NUMBER OF NIGHTS STAYED 29 35 55 55 32 25 23 25 24 29 32 67 62 58 52 59 55 46 46 53 50 – 59 59 25 25 26 45 47 38 40 – 49 2016 25 – 29 18 – 24 44 45 37 38 36 36 30 28 2015 60 OR OLDER Between 2011 and 2016, almost all age groups experienced an increase in the average number of nights stayed.11 The 30-39 and the 50-59 age categories experienced the greatest increase, with the average number of nights stayed increasing for both age categories by 13 nights. From 2011 to 2016, the average number of nights stayed for individuals aged 17 or younger increased by three nights. For individuals aged 25-29, the average number of nights stayed increased by ten nights and for individuals aged 60 or older, the average number of nights stayed increased by 12 nights. In comparison, for individuals aged 18-24, the average number of nights stayed decreased by one night. The average number of nights stayed generally increases with age. 11 Includes dependent children and youth. London’s Emergency ShelterS 25 17 OR YOUNGER 30 – 39 2014 2013 30 29 24 2012 28 25 27 2011 21 GENDER AND AVERAGE NUMBER OF NIGHTS STAYED 38 21 MALE FEMALE 2011 39 24 MALE FEMALE 2012 41 24 MALE FEMALE 2013 46 23 MALE FEMALE 2014 49 24 MALE FEMALE 2015 48 26 MALE FEMALE 2016 Between 2011 and 2016, the average number of nights stayed increased for both adult males and adult females. London’s Emergency ShelterS Since 2011, the average number of nights stayed by males increased by ten nights, from 38 nights in 2011 to 48 nights in 2016, while the average number of nights stayed by females increased by five nights, from 21 nights in 2011 to 26 nights in 2016. AVERAGE NUMBER OF NIGHTS STAYED FOR SINGLE AND MULTIPLE TIME VISITORS SINGLE-TIME VISITORS MULTIPLE-TIME VISITORS 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 58 7 56 6 55 6 54 7 55 7 56 8 22 2016 Single-time emergency shelter visitors typically stayed for a shorter period of time, approximately one week, compared to multiple-time emergency shelter visitors, who stayed for a longer period of time, on average, approximately two months. MOVING TO ACTION The findings of this report demonstrate the following: • The number of emergency shelter visits is increasing. One-time visits decreased from close to half of all visits to approximately one-third, while the number of 10+ visits has nearly tripled. • Individuals are staying longer in emergency shelter. The percentage of individuals staying 25 or fewer nights has decreased, while the percentage of individuals staying more than 25 nights has increased. • The average number of nights stayed is increasing. The average number of nights individuals stayed in shelter in 2011 was 34 nights, which increased to 41 nights in 2016. • The total number of nights individuals are staying in emergency shelter is increasing. For individuals over 30 years of age, the number of nights stayed in emergency shelter has increased by an average of 12 nights. • The number of young people accessing emergency shelter increased. The number of independent youth under 22 years of age accessing emergency shelter increased from 133 in 2011 to 174 in 2016, peaking in 2014 at 258 youth. • Independent youth accessing emergency shelter in London are getting younger. The youngest age in 2011 was 18 years old, compared to 16 years old in 2016, with the youngest age being 15 years old in 2014. • Young adult females, 29 years of age or younger, are disproportionately represented. Approximately 42% of females accessing emergency shelter were 29 years of age or younger between 2011 and 2016, in comparison to 28% of males in the same age range. • Emergency shelter occupancy rates are increasing. The number of unique individuals accessing emergency shelter decreased from 3,400 individuals in 2011 to 2,777 individuals in 2016, while the occupancy rate increased from 87% in 2011 to 98% in 2016. London’s Emergency ShelterS 23 Strategies to address, reduce, and prevent homelessness, supported and informed by the data include, but are not limited to: A Youth Shelter Young people experiencing homelessness require different supports and services than adults, particularly those that address a youth’s stage of development and unique experiences. In London, the number of independent youth under the age of 22 experiencing homelessness increased by 31% between 2011 and 2016. Through a public request for proposal, Youth Opportunities Unlimited was selected to design, build, and operate a Housing First youth shelter in London. Plans are well under way. A new Housing First program has also been established, with a priority focus on providing young people entering emergency shelter with a rapid exit strategy. London’s Emergency ShelterS 24 A Homeless Management Information System From 2011-2016, 93% of individuals visiting emergency shelter more than ten times accessed at least two emergency shelters, moving from one shelter to another without being housed. Further, a number of individuals were identified as staying in shelter more than 365 days, which means they were registered at and billed by more than one shelter on the same night. A special project is now in place between shelters to identify chronic shelter users and prioritize intake into Housing First programs. In December 2017, a shared Homeless Management Information System will be operational and will allow emergency shelters to share information and access comprehensive data as it relates to an individual’s experience with homelessness. This information can be used to identify trends and develop strategies to help individuals find and maintain housing. Exceptional Circumstances And Extended Stay Practices The trend of fewer one-time visits to emergency shelter and more 10+ visits coincides with the implementation of the exceptional circumstances and extended stay requests practice in emergency shelters. The practice was intended to encourage individuals to secure housing within 30 days. These practices were effective in identifying particular issues, such as use of emergency shelter when someone has housing, orders to reside at emergency shelters, and out of town residents. This practice has been evaluated and modified, and continues to assist with identifying trends and a shared response. Strategies To Address Persistent And Chronic Homelessness In London, emergency shelters provide a bed, basic needs, and some support to individuals and/or families who are experiencing homelessness, and are aimed at meeting immediate, short-term needs. However, given the number of individuals whose stay is not short-term, emergency shelters are not being used for their intended purpose. The increase in occupancy rates in 2016 will be reviewed. The increase in the number of nights individuals are remaining in shelter suggests a trend towards increased chronic homelessness in London. This segment of the emergency shelter population requires a prioritized and specialized approach to secure and maintain housing stability through an intensive case management and Housing First approach. Housing First Principles London’s emergency shelter staff use Housing First principles in the services and supports they provide to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. One such principle is diversion, a strategy to help keep individuals in their homes or find alternative housing arrangements to prevent homelessness for individuals seeking shelter. When successfully implemented, individuals and families access emergency shelters only when all other options have been exhausted. Housing First Programs The Emergency Shelter Collaboration Group In 2016, emergency shelter operators formed the Emergency Shelter Collaboration Group to provide a more seamless approach to assisting individuals who are currently engaged in chronic use of the emergency shelter system in London. The Emergency Shelter Collaboration Group manages a “by-name list” of individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness and persistent shelter use. Emergency shelter staff meet with the individual daily, while they are in emergency shelter, to work towards identified goals. Frequent case conferences are held to develop solutions. Referrals to any Housing First programs are made through the Emergency Shelter Collaboration Group. This process assists with ensuring that referrals to Housing First programs are targeted to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and achieving a reduction in chronic shelter use. London’s Emergency ShelterS A number of Housing First programs operate in London. Housing First programs are aimed at improving the health and housing stability of individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness. Housing First programs offer assistance in securing housing, intensive in-home case management, and ongoing support to individuals and families who have experienced persistent homelessness and are now housed. Housing First programs support individuals and families in their housing stability by assisting with the transition into a new home, neighbourhood, and community. 25 Conclusion London’s Emergency ShelterS 26 The data in London’s Emergency Shelters Progress Report: 2011-2016 presents valuable information on how many individuals have been accessing emergency shelters, the demographics of emergency shelter users, and how individuals have been using emergency shelters. This report also builds on the two previous Emergency Shelters Progress Reports to demonstrate the continuation of trends observed in emergency shelter use. Results from this report will assist shelter operators to continue to track and compare emergency shelter use trends over time and use this data for continued decision-making and ongoing impact. Homeless Prevention Neighbourhood, Children, and Fire Services City of London Citi Plaza, 355 Wellington Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 248, N6A 3N7 Phone: 519-661-CITY (2489) ext. 1852 Email: homelessprevention@london.ca Website: www.london.ca London’s Emergency ShelterS FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: 27 London’s Emergency ShelterS Progress Report: 2011 – 2016 PREPARED BY: HOMELESS PREVENTION NEIGHBOURHOOD, CHILDREN, AND FIRE SERVICES CITY OF LONDON