Honouring Veterans: Addressing Homelessness on Remembrance Day

/in ,

As we gather on November 11th to honour the brave men and women who served in the armed forces, it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges many veterans face, particularly in terms of housing insecurity. A recent report by students from McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy sheds light on the urgent issue of veteran homelessness in Canada, a matter that deeply resonates with our mission at the Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region.

According to the report, veterans are “two to three times more likely to experience homelessness compared to the general population”, with estimates suggesting that between 2,400 to over 10,000 veterans are unhoused across Canada. This statistic starkly contrasts with our commitment to support those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.

The report highlights critical areas where federal policies and programs must evolve to effectively reduce veteran homelessness. Key recommendations include:

1. Leadership from Veterans Affairs Canada: The report advocates for “a clear governmental lead accountable for enshrining the right to housing for veterans” to address the fragmented approach currently in place. By establishing a singular focus on veteran homelessness, the government can better coordinate resources and initiatives.
2. Enhanced Data Collection: There is a pressing need for accurate data to understand the scope of veteran homelessness better. The report emphasizes that “the issue of veteran homelessness is marked by a concerning lack of understanding among stakeholders regarding its true scope.” Improved data collection can inform more targeted interventions.
3. Immediate Housing Support: One proposed solution is the establishment of a Veteran Housing Certificate Program, which would provide individualized housing solutions. This initiative aims to ensure that veterans have quick access to the housing they need, reducing the risk of prolonged homelessness.
4. Long-term Housing Supply: The report also calls for developing a sustainable supply of veteran-specific housing, advocating for federal lands to be designated for veteran housing projects.
Many veterans struggle with the transition from military to civilian life, often feeling “abandoned by the armed forces after discharge.” Strengthening support during this transition is vital to preventing homelessness.
On this Remembrance Day, let us honor the sacrifices of our veterans not just through words, but by actively advocating for the changes necessary to ensure their well-being. As we reflect on their service, we must also commit to addressing the systemic barriers that contribute to veteran homelessness.

Together, we can work towards a future where all veterans have access to safe, adequate housing and the support they deserve. Let’s ensure their sacrifices lead to a society that values and cares for every individual who has served.
#RemembranceDay #SupportOurVeterans #EndHomelessness #AEHCR

Don’t Look Away – Representative for Children and Youth (RCY) Report

/in ,

On Tuesday, July 16, the Representative for Children and Youth (RCY) released the long-awaited report Don’t Look Away – How one boy’s story has the power to shift a system of care for children and youth. The report addresses five key areas for collective action: ensuring children’s well-being, supporting families  (including kingship caregivers), ending and addressing violence, ensuring accountability from all intervenors, and changing policy to address gaps, including jurisdiction.

Many partners working in social services were part of the release, including the Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region. The Alliance has participated in the consultation and updates all along and we are immensely grateful to Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth for centering the voices of children, youth, and their families. The report’s recommendations and calls to action are critical to the preventative work we must do collectively to end trauma, suffering for children, youth and their families and for ensuring that pro-active measures taken early can prevent many devastating challenges, including poverty, precarity and potentially, homelessness.

MCFD Minister Grace Lore received the report on behalf of the Government of British Columbia and in an impassioned address, made commitments to ensure that government leadership, in the form of a cross-ministerial group,  finds a way to implement the recommendations contained in the report. Whoever forms the government following the election in October, the Alliance strongly encourages that government to make this work a priority, resource the work at the community level, empower collective action, and address the systemic changes that are needed to make children, youth and families lives better.

The Alliance remains committed to supporting this work and other initiatives that will ensure our collective strategies align and continue to serve the most vulnerable in our community as we forge ahead with our mission where everyone has a safe place, they can call home. Children, youth and families deserve all that and more.

Full report:

https://rcybc.ca/hfaq/dont-look-away/

First Nations Leadership Council:

https://www.ubcic.bc.ca/fnlc_responds_to_rcys_dont_look_away_report_calls_for_truth_collective_accountability_and_urgent_supports_for_our_children

Government of BC:

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024CFD0009-001124

Media:

Horrific death of B.C. ‘miracle baby’ renews calls for change | Vancouver Sun

https://vancouversun.com/news/horrific-death-bc-miracle-baby-foster-care-changes#:~:text=On%20Feb.%2026%2C%202021%2C,days%20before%20his%2012th%20birthday.

After Indigenous child’s death, B.C.’s youth watchdog wants wellbeing plan – Fernie BC News (thefreepress.ca)

https://www.thefreepress.ca/home2/after-indigenous-childs-death-bcs-youth-watchdog-wants-wellbeing-plan-7443502

B.C. boy’s story of torture, neglect has power to inspire system reform: report (msn.com)

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/wellness/b-c-boy-s-story-of-torture-neglect-has-power-to-inspire-system-reform-report/ar-BB1q65mu

Season’s Fireworks Schedule – Affected Neighborhoods

/in , ,

The Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region would like to share this announcement on behalf of the Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park as it affects neighbours in the area.

The season’s fireworks will be on the following dates:

Saturday June 8th
Sunday June 30th
Saturday July 13th and
Monday August 5th (BC Day).

Depending on lightness and barring extra innings or other game delays, the fireworks commonly start anywhere from 9:45pm to 10pm and run for approximately 18 minutes.

Supporting Essential Healthcare for Vulnerable Populations: The Vital Role of Cool Aid Community Health Centre

/in , ,

At AEHCR, we are inspired by the incredible work of Cool Aid Community Health Centre, which provides vital healthcare services to over 7,000 vulnerable individuals annually. These include those experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, infectious diseases, substance use issues, and chronic illnesses.

Cool Aid’s mission is to offer barrier-free access to healthcare for those who are precariously housed, homeless, or dealing with complex mental health and substance use problems. This focused approach ensures that the most marginalized receive the care they need to rebuild their lives.

In partnership with Island Health and the City of Victoria, Cool Aid delivers comprehensive services, addressing both immediate health concerns and long-term well-being. However, due to high demand, the centre is currently not accepting new patients and does not keep a waiting list.

Cool Aid operates structured clinics and mobile units to reach individuals unable to visit the main centre, demonstrating their commitment to accessible healthcare. We are excited to announce that AEHCR is adding schedules for these mobile health clinics on our website for June and July 2024. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and ensure more people can benefit from these essential services.

As supporters, we at AEHCR encourage everyone to contribute—whether through volunteering, donating, or raising awareness. Together, we can ensure Cool Aid continues its crucial work, fostering a healthier, more inclusive community for all.

Note: Folks cannot access care from the mobile clinics unless they are residents or clients of the sites. People not connected to a site can access care when the mobile clinics are at Rock Bay Landing or the Pandora corridor.

Cool Aid Mobile Health Clinic Schedule Van 1 June 2024
Cool Aid Mobile Health Clinic Schedule Van 2 June 2024
Cool Aid Mobile Health Clinic Schedule Van 1 July 2024
Cool Aid Mobile Health Clinic Schedule Van 2 July 2024

Unveiling Solutions: Insights from the CityTalk Webinar on Canada’s Housing Crisis

/in , ,

In a pivotal discussion titled “From Dollars to Doors: The Federal Budget’s Answer to Canada’s Housing Crisis,” the CityTalk webinar dissected the federal government’s budgetary response to the pressing housing affordability and homelessness challenges. Hosted by the esteemed Smart Prosperity Institute, the webinar convened a panel of leading experts, each offering unique perspectives on the matter.

Panel Overview

The panel comprised luminaries in the field, including Carolyn Whitzman, an Adjunct Professor and Housing Researcher at the University of Ottawa; Cherise Burda, Executive Director of City Building at Toronto Metropolitan University; Jesse Helmer, a Senior Research Associate at the Smart Prosperity Institute; Lisa Helps, the Executive Lead of the BC Builds Project Origination; and Tsering Yangki, the Executive Vice President of Real Estate Finance & Development at Dream Unlimited Corp. Facilitating the dialogue was the capable moderator Mary W. Rowe.

Insights Unveiled

  1. Renter’s Rights and Rapid Housing: Whitzman’s discourse emphasized the imperative of bolstering renters’ rights while advocating for a holistic approach to rapid housing solutions, spotlighting the burgeoning mainstream acceptance of such initiatives.
  2. Focus on Rentals and Density: Burda echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for a concerted focus on rental housing. She championed policies aimed at preserving existing affordable housing stock and fostering densification in urban planning endeavors.
  3. Private Sector Dynamics: Yangki delved into the private sector’s response to the budget, lauding the collaborative ethos required to surmount housing challenges. She commended the government’s lending strategies as prudent steps towards addressing the housing crunch.
  4. Implementation Hurdles: Helmer elucidated on the practical challenges associated with implementing housing initiatives, drawing attention to past bottlenecks in budget allocations and underscoring the need for streamlined execution mechanisms.
  5. Missing Middle Housing: Helps underscored the importance of tackling the “missing middle” in housing options. She advocated for innovative approaches that cater to diverse housing needs, including the promotion of co-operative and non-profit housing models.

Community Engagement

Throughout the webinar, attendees actively participated, sharing invaluable insights and observations. Concerns were raised about land utilization, the efficacy of affordable housing models, and the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in fostering housing affordability.

Concluding Thoughts

The CityTalk webinar served as a crucible for meaningful discourse, offering a platform for critical reflection on the federal budget’s housing response. As we chart our course forward, collaborative endeavors and innovative solutions will be pivotal in realizing the vision of equitable access to affordable and sustainable housing for all Canadians.

AC

Executive Director of the Alliance Attends Event with Premier David Eby

/in , ,

The Executive Director of the Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region, Sylvia Ceacero, was among the distinguished attendees at the recent breakfast event featuring British Columbia’s Premier, the Honourable David Eby.

Premier Eby, who assumed office in November 2022, addressed a diverse audience of business and community leaders. The Premier provided invaluable insights into the pressing issues shaping the province’s future: from economic prosperity to housing, to transportation and more while offering a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in a moderated Q&A session.

Against the backdrop of the upcoming provincial election, the breakfast served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, enabling participants to contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the province’s future trajectory.

Understanding the challenges and opportunities facing British Columbia and our Region is integral to inform the Alliance’s continued work of advocating for policy change to address housing and health issues that directly affect homelessness and to propose solutions that will accelerating arriving at functional-zero homelessness sooner.

The Alliance reaffirms its dedication to supporting initiatives that drive positive change and foster collaboration within the community. By participating in events that bring together thought leaders and decision-makers, the Alliance continues to demonstrate its commitment to making meaningful contributions to the prosperity and well-being of the Region.

In conclusion, the Executive Director of the Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region’s attendance at the breakfast event with Premier David Eby underscores the organization’s commitment to staying informed, engaged, and actively involved in shaping the future of our Region.

 

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders: AEHCR Highlights Flourishing Children and Youth Program Fair

/in , ,

The Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region (AEHCR) is proud to shine a spotlight on the upcoming Flourishing Children and Youth Program Fair, organized by the Collaborative for Youth and Society (CFYS). Scheduled for Thursday, May 9, this annual event serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for youth, families, and community stakeholders alike.

Please note below the details:

The Collaborative for Youth and Society (CFYS) is hosting the third annual Flourishing Children and Youth Program Fair on Thursday, May 9. As you can see below, we offer this year three discussion panels, including a youth-led panel (like last year) and two workshops in collaboration with the CRD-Community Health Network.

We are inviting all youth- and family-serving organizations and educators to present and showcase community- and school-based programs or initiatives, as well as youth-led projects, that support children, youth, young adults and their families. If you have attended our previous program fairs, you are encouraged to apply again. There is no cost to apply or present, but spots are limited.

Please indicate your attendance at the Program Fair by May 2, 2024 through the CFYS Flourishing Children and Youth Program Fair Registration Form. Please share the link with anybody from your organization who may attend the program fair with you.

Schedule:

8:30am – Opening and Booth Setting

9:00am – Welcome, Main Address

10:00am – Panel #1 “Data to Actions” / Workshop #1 “Equity, Diversity, Inclusion” (concurrent sessions)

11:00am – Poster/Booth presentations

12:00pm – Lunch buffet

1:00pm – Youth-Led Panel

2:00pm – Poster/Booth presentations

2:30pm – Panel #2 “Engaging Youth in Organizations” / Workshop #2 “How to foster collaboration and partnerships”

4:00pm – Conclusion

Volunteering Opportunity in the Community – North Park Neighborhood Association (NPNA)

/in ,

At the Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region (AEHCR), we believe in the power of community and the importance of lending a helping hand to those in need. That’s why we’re reaching out to you today with an exciting volunteer opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.

As communicated by the North Park Neighbourhood Association (NPNA):

Every Thursday the NPNA puts together free, weekly grocery hampers made up of produce, bread, dairy, some non-perishable items and eggs. The NPNA currently has 95 households receiving hampers every week. The hampers are made between 9:00am-12:00pm, and delivered by volunteers between 11:30am-1pm. We are grateful to be able to use the Community Hall at First Met Church (932 Balmoral) as our home base of operations.The mandate of the NPNA is to foster a welcoming and vibrant community that is inclusive of all people regardless of age, income, culture, or religion, and to make community benefit and equity the goal of all of our decisions.

—

We are seeking volunteers to help sort the hampers and deliver the hampers at First Met Church who are over the age of 15 years old. FOR SORTERS– Arrive at First Met Church (932 Balmoral Road) at 9:30am– Help set up tables and unload food from vehicles (only if comfortable/able)– Organize produce, non-perishables, dairy, bread in preparation for hampers– Sort food into hampers (taking note of dietary restrictions and preferences written on bags)– Once hampers are finished, put away supplies and sanitize tables, and put away tables (only if comfortable/able)FOR DRIVERSWe are seeking volunteers with vehicles to help support deliver grocery hampers program.Hamper Delivery Driver: Thursdays, 11:30am-1:00pmPick up completed hampers at First Met Church (932 Balmoral) and deliver to households in and near North Park. This route takes about 1 hour, requires a vehicle, and involves some lifting and carrying.We can provide letters of recognition with recorded volunteer hours.

Federal Budget Signals Bold Step Towards Ending Homelessness: AEHCR Applauds Significant Housing Investments

/in , ,

The recent release of the federal budget has sparked optimism and hope in the fight against homelessness across Canada. The Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region (AEHCR) is proud to lend its voice to this campaign and celebrate the significant housing investments outlined in the budget. These investments mark a crucial step forward in addressing the housing crisis and advancing efforts to achieve functional-zero homelessness.

The AEHCR is elated to see the federal government’s commitment to tackling the housing crisis, which represents the most ambitious federal housing investment in over 50 years. This bold plan lays out a clear path towards solving the housing crisis and alleviating homelessness, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the collective campaigning efforts of organizations like ours.

Key highlights from the budget include:

  • Extension of Funding for Reaching Home: $1 billion over four years to extend funding for Reaching Home, a critical program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness.
  • Public Lands for Homes Plan: A new initiative to convert existing public lands and buildings into new homes, unlocking 250,000 new units by 2031.
  • Investment to Respond to Encampments: $250 million federal investment, matched by provinces and territories, to respond to encampments and address homelessness.
  • Accelerating Reductions in Homelessness: $50 million to help communities adopt best practices to reduce homelessness and support initiatives aimed at accelerating reductions in homelessness.
  • Affordable Housing Fund: $1 billion investment to support non-profit, cooperative, and public housing providers.
  • Rental Protection Fund: $1.5 billion to preserve the affordable rental housing stock and protect tenants from displacement.

These policies represent significant progress towards reducing homelessness in Canada, with the federal government promising to build 3.87 million homes by 2031. While these investments will have a long-term impact, more must be done to address the immediate wave of homelessness. The AEHCR advocates for the implementation of a Homelessness Prevention and Housing Benefit to help individuals at risk of homelessness stay housed.

The AEHCR acknowledges that these housing announcements are a result of collective advocacy efforts and the growing political power of the movement to end homelessness. It is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of organizations, activists, and individuals who have tirelessly campaigned for change.

As we celebrate this milestone, the AEHCR remains committed to fighting for the rights of our neighbors without a safe place to sleep and those who are struggling to afford housing. Together, we will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that ensure everyone in Canada has a safe, affordable, and secure place to call home.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this important cause. Let’s keep pushing forward until homelessness is eradicated in our communities and across the country.

Shedding Light on Youth Homelessness Solutions: A Way Home Kamloops Society Leads the Way

/in ,
At the Alliance to End Homelessness, we are committed to tackling the root causes of homelessness and creating pathways to stable housing for all individuals, including youth. Today, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of A Way Home Kamloops Society and their recent efforts in addressing youth homelessness through their ‘Light The Way’ initiative.

A Beacon of Hope: A Way Home Kamloops Society, in partnership with the BC Coalition to End Youth Homelessness and other key organizations, has spearheaded the ‘Light The Way’ project, a four-year endeavor aimed at amplifying the voices of youth with lived expertise and advocating for meaningful change. Their recently released report, “Illuminating the Path from Probabilities to Possibilities: 2023 Light The Way Youth Homelessness Report,” offers a comprehensive set of recommendations to the Provincial Government and service providers on how to address the complex issue of youth homelessness.

Empowering Youth Voices: Central to the ‘Light The Way’ project is the principle of inclusion, with youth with lived expertise playing a pivotal role in shaping the recommendations and solutions put forth in the report. By amplifying the voices of those directly impacted by homelessness, A Way Home Kamloops Society is paving the way for more effective and impactful policies and programs.

Honoring a Legacy: The ‘Light The Way’ initiative is also a tribute to the late Katherine McParland, former Executive Director and Founder of A Way Home Kamloops Society, whose passion and dedication to ending youth homelessness continue to inspire. Through their tireless efforts, the youth leaders behind ‘Light The Way’ are carrying forward McParland’s vision of a future where every young person has a place to call home.

A Call to Action: As members of the Alliance to End Homelessness in British Columbia, we stand in solidarity with A Way Home Kamloops Society and all those involved in the ‘Light The Way’ project. We echo their call to action for governments, service providers, and community members to prioritize the needs of youth experiencing homelessness and to work collaboratively towards sustainable solutions.

Moving Forward Together: The release of the ‘Illuminating the Path’ report is a milestone in the ongoing fight against youth homelessness in British Columbia. As we reflect on the journey of the ‘Light The Way’ project, we are reminded of the power of community, collaboration, and compassion in creating positive change. Together, let’s continue to shine a light on youth homelessness and work towards a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

Download the Full Report: To access the complete findings and recommendations outlined in the ‘Illuminating the Path’ report, visit www.awayhomekamloops.com/aw.

Together, we can end youth homelessness in British Columbia.

Charitable#: BN: 842615221RR0001

Get in touch

Unit 535 – 645 Fort Street
Victoria, BC V8W 1G2

Email: admin@victoriahomelessness.ca
Phone: (236) 638-3683

Connect
Support Us
Donate Now

©2024 Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region | website by Caorda