Business View - August 2015 187
Heart River Housing does not provide any health ser-
vices to its constituents, but Pratt says it is something
that the agency is beginning to consider – especially
since the average age of the seniors coming into its
system is slowly creeping up and now averages 82
years. He explains: “If we can help a senior stay in one
of our lodges and stay mentally capable and active and
just needs a little extra healthcare - that’s something
that we need to coordinate with the health business.”
Regarding the area’s senior population, Pratt would
also like to see them moving into the lodges before
they get too old, so that they can better take advan-
tage of the camaraderie and activities provided for
them there. He would also like to help them stay lon-
ger, if they’re capable. “If we can do some little things
to improve our delivery, whether it be on the health
side, whether it be on the food side, or activities side,
we want to continue to improve, everyday.”
HRH’s biggest agenda item on its “family housing side
of things” is to continue to help individuals who need
temporary assistance, in order to get them in and out
of the system within a few years and onto the next
stage of their lives. Pratt points to the type of success
stories he would like to replicate: “We’ve had families
come in at minimum rent and three to five years later,
both family members have jobs, they’re educated, and
they can move out of the system to allow somebody
else to come in.”
According to Pratt, decent, affordable housing is an
essential element of life, not only on the prairie, but
everywhere. “If you don’t have a proper roof over your
head, you’re starting behind the eight ball,” he says.
With the avid support of the municipalities, the Hous-
ing Board, the province of Alberta, local businesses,
and caring community members, Heart River Housing
is well positioned to continue its mission of serving the
housing needs of the seniors and the moderate to low
income citizens of Northern Alberta for many years to
come.
PREFERRED VENDORS
Town of Fox Creek
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HEALTHCARE
