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Pastor defies Abbotsford’s harm reduction ban

October 4th, 2012 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Pastor defies Abbotsford’s harm reduction ban)

Pastor Ward Draper is “bringing the church back to where it should be”—and that includes providing clean needles and pipes

Pastor Ward Draper is ministering to addicts in Abbotsford, in defiance of the municipality’s ban on harm reduction activities. Pastor Draper is the founder and executive director of The 5 and 2 ministries, the only Canadian church outside of Toronto that does needle exchange work. And it happens in a city that, according to The Province newspaper, is the only community in the country that bans needle exchange work. (more…)

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The real cost of homelessness

September 27th, 2012 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on The real cost of homelessness)

What happens if we shift our energies from managing the problem to actually trying to end homelessness?

It may seem counterintuitive to suggest that it is cheaper and more cost effective to provide people who experience homelessness with the housing and supports they need, rather than simply provide them with emergency supports through shelters and soup kitchens. But research reviewed by Stephen Gaetz of the Canadian Homelessness Research Network indicates that this is actually the case. (more…)

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From global imperatives to local realities

September 13th, 2012 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on From global imperatives to local realities)

The work of community-based organizations in HIV prevention can be linked with the development of democracy

The 19th International AIDS Conference was held in Washington D.C. in July 2012, with a focus on how global and decisive commitment [opens to PDF] is crucial to changing the course of the epidemic. The biennial conference is the premier gathering for people working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. (more…)

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Nanaimo shelter changes raise concerns

September 6th, 2012 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Nanaimo shelter changes raise concerns)

Homeless shelter was overwhelmed by demand last winter, so now it will only be open during extreme weather conditions

The First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo has decided to scale back its shelter operations this year, after being overwhelmed by demand last year. The organization’s extreme weather shelter for homeless people had been made available every night between November 1st and April 1st last winter, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. But despite increased funding for the increased availability, volunteers were taxed beyond their limit, with up to 25 homeless people seeking shelter at the 24-bed facility each night. (more…)

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BC Ideas wants to get your vote

July 26th, 2012 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on BC Ideas wants to get your vote)

A legacy of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games is working with partners across the province to create social innovation

2010 Legacies Now was created in June 2000 by the British Columbia government and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Bid Corporation to help create sport legacies in the province following the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. That initiative has evolved into LIFT Philanthropy Partners, a venture philanthropy organization that works to accelerate the growth and impact of selected nonprofit organizations. (more…)

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Housing project promotes inclusive employment

July 5th, 2012 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Housing project promotes inclusive employment)

Toronto’s Houselink is working to hire “people with lived experience”—including former clients—at all levels

Houselink Community Homes is a non-profit, charitable agency based in Toronto that provides a range of supportive housing options, individualized supports and community-based programs. As one of the pioneers in the concept of ‘supportive housing’, Houselink created a brand new option for people leaving psychiatric institutions: a home that was permanent, affordable and a support based environment. Houselink is currently home to over 430 members living in virtually every neighbourhood in the city of Toronto. (more…)

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