Case Study #2: Housing for Substance Users Overview This is the second of four case studies in this ...

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Case Study #2: Housing for Substance Users Overview This is the second of four case studies in this course. Each case study will follow the same 3-step process described below. Here is a breakdown of the case steps: 1. Individual review and investigation of the case. You will go through an individual exploration of the case description below and its exhibits (readings, videos) presented in Module 3: Marginalized Populations to gain an understanding of the case. 2. Generate a briefing Note. Your written note will be based on thoughts on the case and responses to the provided questions. - The briefing note will be 4-6 pages in APA format. - The briefing note will include an issue summary and analysis of the issue through responses to the “Case Questions”. - This briefing note will be submitted to the provided drop box by the specified date on the course Critical Path. 3. Class Discussion. Post your thoughts in the discussion board and also reply to 2 comments by your peers. Case Details Affordable and supportive housing is in short supply in Toronto. Waiting times for accommodations exceed two years. The situation is even more acute for individuals who are struggling with substance dependency or use drugs. Although there are a number of agencies and programs providing supportive housing for individuals with mental illness, most of these prohibit admission to people who admit to a drug dependency or to using drugs in addition to their mental illness. For those in existing psychiatric supportive housing programs, clients who were found to be using drugs were frequently evicted. Housing for people with drug issues did not exist except in a treatment context. The result was an increase in homelessness for marginalized individuals using drugs as virtually no housing was available. In addictions, the harm reduction movement has transformed service delivery. Harm reduction is based in part on the principles of providing for the needs of clients without requiring them to stop using. An application was made to the Ministry of Health for Harm Reduction Addictions Supportive Housing (HRASH). After several years of advocacy, funding for HRASH was secured. However, several challenges remain: ? drug dealers forcibly taking over the tenant’s apartments to deal drugs. ? managing potential drug overdoses. ? maintaining the safety of client tenants while also ensuring the safety of other tenants. ? the acceptance of clients by the larger community and the other tenants. Case Questions ? What are your recommendations to address the challenges of supportive housing for substance users through a harm reduction lens? ? To put these recommendations into effect, what resources would be needed?