McMan takes over city’s supportive housing program

By KENDALL KING, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on May 4, 2022.

kking@medicinehatnews.com

McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Society has taken over direction of Medicine Hat’s permanent supportive housing program as of May 1. Previously, the Canadian Mental Health Association oversaw the program for the past five years.

The transition follows a recommendation by Community Council on Homelessness and approval by Medicine Hat Community Housing Society’s board of directors.

“I am incredibly grateful to CMHA for their work in establishing a strong program foundation and for this opportunity to build upon already successful programming supporting vulnerable populations who require more intensive housing supports utilizing a recovery oriented lens,” Tracie Mutschler, McMan executive director, said.

Officials with MHCHS expressed excitement for the future of the permanent supportive housing program and other programs which serve Medicine Hat’s homeless and vulnerable populations.

MHCHS was granted more than $4 million in funding to distribute among local programs and projects.

MHCHS said in a statement a portion of the funds will go toward addition and expansion of several programs, including MHCHS’s Cultural Additions Program, offered in partnership with Miywasin Friendship Centre, McMan’s Youth Hub Outreach and Root Youth Shelter, Medicine Hat Public Library’s Social Work Program and the Graduate Rental Assistance Initiative.

Funding will also create one new program – a casual cash employment program – and a new crisis support worker position at Miywasin.

Remaining funding, which total around $880,000, will be divided between priority projects within the community, such as intensive community caseworkers for high-risk individuals, legal assistance for vulnerable populations and the development of a community hostel model.

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