Calgary John Howard Society

The Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS) has been dedicated to reducing crime and increasing community safety through preventative and restorative justice practices since 1949. It promotes positive change through humane, just and informed responses to crime and its effects.

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Why do we need this building?

Bedford House is a crucial part of the Calgary community that provides much-needed transitional housing and support for men integrating back into society after spending time in prison. Bedford House offers services to tenants that decrease the likelihood of reoffending – employment and educational programs, life skills, therapy, curfews, check-ins and more. With a home, job prospects and skills for living in mainstream society, it is much less likely an individual will reoffend. This ultimately creates safer communities by giving men the tools to be responsible, contributing members.

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RESOLVE Project

• Build a new apartment building for 32 men exiting the justice system who need support to successfully and positively reintegrate back into the community.
• Tenants are accepted into the program based on positive motivation, insight into the factors that led to their behaviour, and willingness to change these factors.

Design:

• Counselling rooms, interview rooms and office space provide a safe place for men to work on the issues that led to their behaviours.
• Common and recreational areas provide a place to gather and socialize with other tenants.

Support:

• 24/7 on-site support and case management
• Employment and literacy programming
• Help with daily living skills
• Access to community activities
• Curfews and monitoring

*Rendering and project features are subject to change

 

“This kind of housing gives people who are exiting the justice system the supports they need to become responsible members of the community. The new Bedford House will help approximately 100 people per year make a successful transition. We can achieve this more effectively as a collaborating Partner in RESOLVE.” — Gord Sand, Executive Director