Dream Centre tackles homelessness
by Robyn T. Braley

On August 8th the Calgary Dream Centre (CDC) hosted a landmark gathering of 130 front line workers who are leading the fight to eliminate homelessness. The Committee To End Homelessness is using the information from this and other forums to create a 10 Year Plan targeting 2018 for the elimination of homelessness in Calgary. This was the first public consultation.

The Calgary Homeless Foundation was the official host. Chair Brian O’Leary noted, "I was surprised to learn that this was the first time professionals engaged in working with our city’s homeless people had been brought together in one room," he noted. "There was unanimous agreement such meetings should become a regular occasion."

One of the first to agree was Jim Moore, Executive Director of the Dream Centre. "We are doing some exciting and innovative things to help homeless men transition back into productive lifestyles," Moore offered. "But so are other organizations. By exchanging ideas and working through collaborative partnerships, we will all be more effective in resolving this important issue."

The CDC offers hope to men who want to reclaim their lives and make a real change. The Dream Centre is a faith based transitional housing agency that is consistently filled to capacity with 114 men who are homeless for a variety of reasons.

Alcohol and drug addictions are major causes. Some have spiraled into a desperate street life after failing to cope with the devastating loss of a spouse, a child, or a job.

Others have a job, but can’t afford housing in Calgary’s heated economy. They simply have no place to live. The reasons for homelessness are many and the Dream Centre has a long waiting list.

However, to meet this pressing need, ministries like the Dream Centre must continually raise funds from various sources. On Thursday, September 13th, business leaders, church leaders, community leaders and sports personalities will appear live with select CDC residents and graduates for the 5th Annual Extreme Dream Extreme Drive (XD2) Radiothon on Shine FM and AM1140. XD2 will be on air between 6am and 7pm. Special phone lines will be set up at (403) 214-5490.

XD2 phone lines will remain open until 8pm. Listeners are not only encouraged to call and make a donation, but to drop by at 4510 Macleod Trail for free coffee, entertainment and information. The CDC foyer, dining room and auxiliary rooms will be transformed into a call centre, live broadcast centre, live music stage, and information centre. Collaborative partners, who provide services like addictions treatment, will be on-site to provide information about what they do.

While practical needs like food, clothing and shelter are met, residents also enrol in various programs that prepare them for everyday living like Personal Life Management, Spiritual Foundations, Career Skills and Personal Life Development.

Mentoring is a very important part of the CDC program.

Residents are encouraged to attend a daily chapel service. Free transportation is provided to area churches and residents are encouraged to get involved with a local congregation.

"The 400 seat auditorium where the Homeless Foundation meeting was held is also our chapel," said Moore. "Before the old hotel was renovated, the space was a strip club and bar."

Perhaps the most pertinent observation about the extreme need for ministries like the Calgary Dream Centre was made by a recent graduate. "Lots of time, when people donate money, they wonder if it makes a difference. I can clearly state that the financial support of generous donors has changed my life," he insisted. "Two years ago I would have been dead because of alcohol and drug addictions if it hadn’t been for the Calgary Dream Centre."

For further information or to volunteer for the Radiothon, please call (403) 243-5598.