You may have heard the term complex care, and it is something that Covenant House Vancouver strongly believes in. So, what is complex care?
Young people who are at-risk for or who are experiencing homelessness have complex needs requiring whole-person care. Complex Care is a person-centered approach to address the needs of people whose overlapping mental health, substance use, trauma, medical health, and other challenges require coordinated and specialized support. By better addressing complex needs, complex care can reduce spending in the healthcare, social services sectors, and criminal justice sectors. And it means that real people, real youth are getting the care they need when they need it.
Covenant House Vancouver offers a continuum of services using evidence-informed theories and practices that ensure they care for the entire person – mind, body, and spirit. Supports and services include outreach and drop-in to housing and counseling that journey with young people as they work on individual needs and goals.
Recently the BC Urban Mayors’ Caucasus an informal, non-partisan group of mayors from 13 cities released a video calling for the urgent implementation of complex care housing solutions to support the most vulnerable residents in their communities. By calling on different levels of government, the Urban Mayor’s caucus is not only doing their part to secure provincial and federal funding, but they are also bringing much-needed attention to this critical issue.
Covenant House Vancouver stands ready to work in partnership with these and other leaders as advocates and champions for those experiencing homelessness.