The department offers consultative, administrative, and funding support to volunteer groups and agencies who endeavor to meet the social needs in the community.

One of the goals of the Community Development Department is to encourage citizens and volunteers to become involved in the planning and provision of community programs and services. The Social Development Advisory Board is an avenue for citizens to provide advice to the Public Services Committee and City Council on a number of areas. The Advisory Board has representation from the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, the Transit Advisory Committee, the Advisory Committee on Disability Issues, one representative from City Council and an additional four community members. The Advisory Board meets the first Wednesday of each month.

In September 2004, City Council adopted the Municipal Social Policy Statement which guides the Social Development Department. The City of Medicine Hat Social Development department works with many local organizations to develop preventive social initiatives to enhance the well-being of individuals, families and the community.

Social Development Programs and Services include:

A) Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) & the City of Medicine Hat
In July 1996, The Preventive Social Services Act was passed by the Government of Alberta.  The Act included 80/20 cost sharing between the Government of Alberta and municipalities or Metis Settlements of projects identified by the community.  These projects must have an emphasis on non-profit social service programs and volunteerism.  FCSS funding allocation is based on the population of each participating municipality, with an adjustment based on the median income level of each community.

The City of Medicine Hat has been involved with FCSS funding since the late 1970's.  The City of Medicine Hat manages the FCSS funding and collaborates with agencies and the community to better understand social issues/needs and how best to respond to them.

		What is FCSS?
		FCSS Association of Alberta
		Apply for FCSS Funding

The City of Medicine Hat Currently utilizes FCSS funding to support, in part, the following:

1. Transit Services
2. Senior Services
3. Musasa House
4. Medicine Hat Family Services
5. McMan Mediation Program
6. Community Food Association of South Eastern Alberta
7. Medicine Hat Family YMCA
   
8. Community Worker Project
   Three community workers, located and working out of Elm Street School, Southview School, and Medicine Hat High School, work with citizens and other community partners to build and sustain a vibrant, healthy, safe, and responsive community.
9. Community Development Grants
   The Community Development Department offers grants to non-profit groups for preventive and/or community enrichment social services projects. These grants are available annually.

The current funding cycle ends in December 2014.

B) Community Inclusion Coordinator:
The role of the Community Inclusion Coordinator is to:

• facilitate community advisory processes through the Advisory Committee on Issues Affecting the Handicapped,
• develop and implement awareness and public education programs on access, equity and community inclusion,
• act as a resource for departments and agencies in the development and implementation of their action plans,
• liaise with community organizations regarding emerging issues,
• conduct research on the needs of persons with disabilities and to provide results to departments, committees and Council for use in service delivery and/or policy development.
• monitor legislative proposals for impact on people with disabilities,
• implement communication strategies to increase involvement and access to services,
• promote the City's position to other levels of government and external bodies

C) Emergency Social Service Plan:
The Medicine Hat Regional Emergency Response Plan was formed by a common commitment to emergency preparedness. The City of Medicine Hat collaborates with various community agencies and groups to provide necessary services to carry out the Emergency Social Service (ESS) Plan.

D) Affordable Housing
The Social Development department works in conjunction with the Medicine Hat Community Housing Society to provide Affordable Housing in Medicine Hat. Through a partnership with and funding from Alberta Urban and Municipal Affairs, the City is involved in the creation of additional affordable housing units that will be managed and maintained by the Medicine Hat Community Housing Society.  The City is represented on the MHCHS Board of Directors by one alderman and one staff person.

The Social Development department (through the Social Development Advisory Board) provides funding to Transit Services, Senior Services, The Medicine Hat Salvation Army Family Support Centre (Homeless Shelter), Medicine Hat Youth Action Society, and Medicine Hat Regional Social Housing Authority. The City of Medicine Hat is currently working on a multi-faceted action plan to address the housing needs in the community.

Social Development contact information:

City Hall
580 First Street SE
Medicine Hat , AB
T1A 8E6

General Inquiries: 403.529.8316
Fax Line: 403.529.8324
bonyar@medicinehat.ca