AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador THE TOMMY SEXTON CENTRE

CHRA Congress Presentation April 06 ACNL Overview ACNL began in the mid-80s as a kitchen group, in response to early cases of HIV and AIDS in Newfoundland and Labrador; incorporated in 1988 Located in St. John's A provincial organization providing services to all areas of the province which is bigger than the three other Atlantic provinces combined Currently 6 staff offering programming in three main areas; prevention education, PHA health promotion, and harm reduction; operates the only needle exchange in Newfoundland and Labrador Board of Directors from all areas of the province, including Labrador; also have 3 designated PHA seats on Board CHRA Congress Presentation April 06

Organizational Structure ACNL Board of Directors assume legal and developmental responsibility for the TSC; defers implementation of project to Executive Director ACNL Executive Director completes all necessary project applications including but not limited to; • NHI applications for Regional Homelessness Fund (RHF) and Supporting Community Partnerships Initiative (SCPI), Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation Affordable Housing Funding, CMHC Project Development Funding (PDF), and National Resources Canada Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP) Executive Director also assumes responsibility for pursuing sustainability; • Current operational funding through the AIDS Community Action Program (ACAP) of the Public Health Agency of Canada • Must demonstrate sustainability in order to qualify for the housing funding • Funds are required from the province Executive Director develops a contract with local architectural firm for building development CHRA Congress Presentation April 06

CHRA Congress Presentation April 06 Project Description The Tommy Sexton Centre; a 10,000 sq ft new build construction project Addresses priority #2 in the St. John’s Community Plan; enhancing housing options for vulnerable populations 4 emergency shelter units for people living with HIV/AIDS and people who are at high risk for HIV/AIDS 6 supportive housing units specifically for people living with HIV/AIDS Building will also include the ACNL offices permitting a more seamless integration of existing and new ACNL services Will provide a continuum of supports including; medical and alternative therapies, recreation, employment and housing advocacy, harm reduction services and counselling CHRA Congress Presentation April 06

CHRA Congress Presentation April 06

CHRA Congress Presentation April 06 Project Partners Federal Government; Human Resources and Skills Development, Commercial Building Incentive Program, CMHC Provincial Government; Department of Health and Community Services, Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, Department of Transportation and Works, Office of the Premier, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation Architect St. John’s Community Advisory Committee on Homelessness, with representation from various community representatives and government departments CHRA Congress Presentation April 06

CHRA Congress Presentation April 06 Project Need Since HIV/AIDS was recognized in Newfoundland and Labrador twenty years ago there has been an acknowledgement for the need to provide a supportive housing program for PHAs Fear, stigma and discrimination continue to create barriers to housing, employment, and education, resulting in an increased risk of hidden homelessness for PHAs and those at high risk for HIV In terms of the emergency shelter, many PHAs in the province who live outside of St. John’s must travel to the city for treatment at the HIV Clinic and often there are few options for individuals who may not want to stay at a “traditional” shelter for safety reasons CHRA Congress Presentation April 06

CHRA Congress Presentation April 06 Guiding Principles Community involvement; particularly consumers • The AIDS movement has always been largely driven by input/involvement from people living with HIV/AIDS Self-determination • Individuals must be present and have a voice throughout the decision making process Non-judgmental • ACNL will strive to ensure individual and collective right to non-judgmental education and support, thus encouraging responsible decision-making and personal empowerment Advocacy • ACNL advocates for social and political change while networking on a regional, provincial, national, and international level regarding HIV/AIDS issues CHRA Congress Presentation April 06

CHRA Congress Presentation April 06 Project Timeline Initial project applications Fall 2004 Site selection and acquisition Mar/Apr 05 Obtain approval of provincial operating monies Apr 05 Submit final SCPI application May 05 Architectural work Fall 05 ongoing Land acquisition Fall 05 Site permits and approval Feb/Mar 06 Begin construction Apr 05 Complete exterior construction June 06 Recruit and train staff Aug 06 Complete interior work Aug 06 ACNL moves into building Early Sept 06 Open facility Mid Sept 06 CHRA Congress Presentation April 06

CHRA Congress Presentation April 06 Budgets Capital costs: • 1,450,000 million to build 870,000 from SCPI 594,000 from the province 105,000 from donations 90,000 in-kind Operational Funding: Current organizational budget is $225,000; recently increased to $275,000 Upon completion of project operational budget increases to $440,000 Required an additional $165,000 Secured $120,000 from province Remainder from rental income CHRA Congress Presentation April 06

Project Development Team (PDT) Mandate • Provide guidance and input to the ACNL Board of Directors throughout the planning and development process for the Tommy Sexton Centre • Assume an advisory role only; all decisions will be finalized and approved by the ACNL Board of Directors Goals • Ensure that the development process receives input from appropriate sources as identified by the Board of Directors • Ensure that Board project development decisions are fully implemented • Provide opportunities for networking and capacity building within a community development framework Membership • The PDT will consist of the following core members; 5 ACNL Board members with at least one being a PHA rep, ACNL executive director, 1 ACNL staff rep, 1 Fundraising Committee rep, 2 Provincial PHA Network reps, the SCPI Community Development rep, and 1 rep from the architectural firm. It is recognized that individuals with specific experience will be invited to join the PDT when needed. CHRA Congress Presentation April 06

CHRA Congress Presentation April 06 Broker Issues • project development requires a great deal of time; must be considered in the context of on-going workload • helpful to identify key individuals in organizations which will be involved in the process; provincial government, municipal government, fundraising groups • may be a great deal of interest from community to have input; best to set parameters for this to happen • the option of hiring architect to manage the project is available but does not mean that your role will be strictly hands off; will still be required to assume a coordination role • use existing housing network if possible; i.e. SJACH, Community Development Worker CHRA Congress Presentation April 06