Over the past year, a number of local organizations and groups have moved forward—facing and overcoming challenges and barriers—to step closer to their shared vision of helping some of Nanaimo’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens
On our program this week, we focus on three initiatives that have persevered and emerged with new locations, services, and/or facilities—and a shared “new lease on life”. Join us for our discussion with leaders from three Nanaimo people-focused organizations… (more…)
The city’s working group on homelessness has set funding priorities
The Nanaimo Working Group on Homelessness recently made decisions regarding the use of federal funding for local homelessness initiatives. But there were too many applicants for the limited funding available. One program that will not receive an annual grant this year is Haven Society’s Willow Wai initiative—a program that helps sex workers and other homeless women off the streets.
The funding decisions have raised questions about priorities, strategies, and approaches to dealing with homelessness in the community—against the backdrop of funding challenges. (more…)
Curtis Brick’s tragic death raises the issue of systemic racism
Curtis Brick died last month after lying in the sun at a Vancouver park on one of the hottest days the city had seen all summer. Curtis Brick was a homeless aboriginal man. Though the park was filled with people, he lay for seven hours until an aboriginal outreach worker intervened and called 911. Now questions about the way Curtis Brick was treated by emergency personnel has advocates calling for a coroner’s inquiry. (more…)
Vancouver’s homelessness advocate Judy Graves pays a visit to Nanaimo’s homeless people
Judy Graves, Coordinator for Vancouver’s Tenant Assistance Program, is a long-time, passionate advocate for the homeless. She began the Vancouver Homeless Outreach Project in 2005 that has successfully housed more than 2,000 people in B.C. She also co-authored the book A Room Somewhere: 101 Solutions to Homelessness.* (more…)
Looking at food, shelter, and supports in Nanaimo
Local frontline services are under increasing demand or are experiencing specific challenges. We’ve convened a frontline services roundtable to explore and update recent events ranging from the reported closing of a Salvation Army lunch program to reports that VIHA will be unable to fund support programs at the Balmoral Hotel building redevelopment. (more…)
A documentary film about homelessness, based on a provincial tour by NDP MLA David Chudnovsky, was screened at a presentation earlier this week in Nanaimo. We speak with NDP MLA David Chudnovsky. (more…)
