One of the more significant challenges in understanding how to end homelessness in a community like Greater Victoria is estimating how much housing we need and of what sort. How much affordable housing do we need for people whose primary challenge is the high cost structure in Victoria and how much supportive housing do we need for people who, for one reason or another, are challenged to maintain housing for reasons that go beyond affordability? Continue reading
Project Connect 2014
Project Connect 2014 was a huge success! Hundreds of people experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty from across the region came to the annual event. We wanted to take a moment to recognize the amazing volunteers, donors and service providers (in no particular order) for everything they’ve done to make Project Connect possible. Continue reading
Youth Homelessness Checklist
It is often difficult to identify children and youth experiencing homelessness. Youth living alone and families facing homelessness will try to hide the situation to avoid stigma or because of fear of having children taken away. Early identification, however, can put children, youth and families in contact with services that can assist in times of crisis. Continue reading
1,100+ people temporarily housed on one-night
On a single night in February, 1,167 people sought shelter in temporary accommodations – including 116 children. Continue reading
Affordable Housing: Not in my back yard?
We hear it all the time: “I support the idea of affordable housing, but just not in this neighbourhood.” This sentiment is commonly referred to as Not In My Back Yard or ‘NIMBY’ and is one of the most significant challenges that we face in gaining community support – a vital piece of receiving municipal approval – for affordable housing developments across the region. Continue reading