October 10 is World Homeless Day – a day to draw attention to the needs of people experiencing homelessness.
First recognized on October 10, 2010, the concept of #worldhomelessday emerged from conversations amongst aid workers from all over the world who wanted a platform to raise awareness, advocate for resources and encourage community involvement in the efforts to prevent and end homelessness.
The work towards ending homelessness does not end on #WorldHomelessDay and requires a committed, ongoing effort by the entire homeless-serving sector. Individuals like you also play a vital role, as through our collective efforts, advocacy, learning and participation, we can positively impact the lives of those who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused.
Here are a few ways to support the work towards ending homelessness in Edmonton:
1) Participate:
Consider contacting local community organizations to donate needed items, volunteer your time, support their work, or make a financial donation. One such organization is our own social enterprise, FIND which is a furniture bank, online and retail store; where every donation makes a difference in the lives of someone experiencing homelessness.
Follow the links below to learn more about FIND and a few of the contracted Supportive and Bridge Housing operators we work with. Many other community organizations are working to assist our most vulnerable community members, so if you are able, take time to research, learn more, and support.
2) Learn and Share:
Learn more and share resources to raise awareness and support those experiencing homelessness.
3) About our efforts:
Homeward Trust is a community-based organization dedicated to eradicating homelessness through the power of community, innovation, leadership and strategically investing resources for greatest impact. With a system planning and data-informed approach that is rooted in lived expertise, we collaborate with multiple agencies, organizations and all orders of government while ensuring alignment and accountability of resources and efforts. We fulfill our mandate by leading initiatives and programs, conducting research, creating awareness, and allocating funding to housing and support projects. The development of a range of Supportive Housing options is a strategic priority for Homeward Trust, playing a critical role in achieving long-term sustainable solutions, where every individual has access to safe, affordable, secure housing, and the support they need to thrive.
Learn more about our a few of our housing and supports programs here.
We are grateful to our funders the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, and the City of Edmonton, for their ongoing commitment to efforts to prevent and end homelessness.
4) Advancing leadership and best practice
The Institute of Global Homelessness (IGH Hub) collaborates with organizations and cities to end street homelessness by 2030 through collective learning, best practices and partnerships with local, national, and regional organizations. The “A Place to Call Home” campaign began with 10 international vanguard cities selected for their demonstrated impact in efforts to end homelessness. Homeward Trust and Edmonton were invited to be one of those vanguard communities presenting an opportunity to connect with global researchers, practitioners and policymakers for shared leadership, advocacy and community-informed solutions.
Our role in the Vanguard Network and with organizations such as Built For Zero Canada, Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness and Bloomberg Associates to name a few, enables us to raise awareness, advance systems, programs and evidence-based best practice towards efforts to prevent and end homelessness.
Let’s work together to #endhomelessness
