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July 8th "How To" Forum: Neighbourhood-based Solutions to Homelessness

The July 8th Forum brought together over 65 individuals from a variety of organizations and neighbourhoods to learn about work currently being done throughout the city to address the needs of the homeless. The purpose of the forum was to encourage others to organize projects and events for Homeless Action Week (October 11-17, 2009).

The goal of the forum was to provide an overview of the kinds of initiatives currently underway to generate ideas and enthusiasm for other neighbourhoods to organize action oriented projects and events to address homelessness. Presenters included:

Sue Noga, Community Developer with the Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness and the coordinator for Homeless Action Week (HAW) events across Metro.
Damian Murphy, long time resident and volunteer in the Grandview Woodlands neighbourhood and coordinator for Under One Umbrella.
Doug Taylor, Community recreation supervisor at Kits Community Centre, & Penny Rogers, volunteer coordinator for the Kitsalano shower program.
Paula Carr, Executive Director the Collingwood Neighbourhood House and member of the Renfrew–Collingwood Homelessness committee.

Presentations were followed by workshop organized around the following key themes:

Homeless Connect events
Mobilizing neighbourhood support (ie. dealing with NIMBYism)
Food security/community meals
Resource development
Raising awareness around solutions to homelessness

Click on the links below to learn more:
Notes from the Workshop
Homeless Action Week

Questions or Comments? E-mail: housing.centre@vancouver.ca