Could Edmonton’s Hiregood hold the solution to the unhoused issues in Lloydminster? The executive director of the local men’s shelter thinks so.
“I think that could work here. If they are working in their own company and that kind of employment, I think it could be very effective,” said Kagan Kneen.
Kneen, executive director of the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter, isn’t aware of a similar program in Lloydminster, but believes something like this may help.
“The challenge we have at the shelter is hiring someone who might have gone through a difficult time with being unhoused or addictions. There are so many daily triggers, we would hate to see someone fall back into it because of something they witnessed as part of employment.”
Hiregood, an Edmonton-based social enterprise employs mostly unhoused and underprivileged individuals, complete various contracts around Alberta’s capital. They range from cleaning and maintaining private and public spaces to providing security.
“I’ve worked with Hiregood for five years. Waking up and going to work gives me a purpose in life. I don’t know where I would be at this point of my life (without them),” said Elisa Boyd, a site lead for the company.
“(It’s) is like a family. They love, they try getting in knowing where you are, they try helping you where they can.”
Boyd’s journey, captured in a video provided by the company, is a testament to the transformative power of an employer that cares. Boyd admits to a difficult past as an addict and experiencing homelessness. She now uses that experience to relate to others who are in that situation, including co-workers.
This is something Hiregood executive director, Jody Phelan, says they pride themselves on.
“We meet them where they are at. We don’t judge, we don’t drug test, we give them a chance to help themselves,” said Phelan. “I don’t fire them when they mess up or don’t show up. We provide them chances to make it right. More businesses should do that.”
Over 75 per cent of their workforce is comprised of individuals who are struggling with mental health issues, drug addiction, or are victims of abuse. All are given an opportunity when they ask for help.
“We’ve had people come in with zero confidence, and the next thing you know, they are trying to run the company,” says Phelan. “We’ve instilled in them that you are good enough; you are great at your job.”
Phelan says the company grosses $7 million and recently expanded to Calgary. Their efforts to reduce conflicts between the unhoused and other society members have not gone unnoticed.
Back in Edmonton, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, recognized Hiregood’s efforts across the city. He highlighted the company’s work during the May 2023 State of the City address. Additionally providing an example of the results of their work at the White Ave. public washrooms since 2019.
“Hiregood’s washroom attendants have decreased the number of emergency calls to White Ave. washrooms by over 90 per cent,” stated Sohi. “It has been so successful the city has expanded this program to more than 60 locations, in parks, libraries and transit centres across Edmonton.”
Sohi said he hears Edmontonian’s concerns for safety frequently, but noted Edmonton is a cleaner, more vibrant, more welcoming and safer community because of Hiregood.
Although thankful for the praise, Phelan attributes all success to her employees.
“Their ability to relate to those causing issues, because they have been or are in their shoes, gains respect.”
Furthermore, that respect leads to looking out for each other and their work. As a result, this leads to a safer community. Despite all the challenges they face, her employees take pride in their work.
“We started with a single contract in Edmonton, (now) we’ve had hundreds and hundreds of people go through this company. Many go on to bigger and better things because we help them build a resume,” said Phelan.
Read more: New shelter’s plan for the unhoused
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