Service Providers Represent the Spirit of Homeless Connect 2019

One of the joys of Homeless Connect is witnessing the reaction from the guests to the care, attention and smiles they receive from the approximately 70+ service providers on site. Often the people that attend Homeless Connect have not eaten, slept or experienced any type of kindness you and I take for granted every day.

In case you were not aware of Homeless Connect, once in the spring and again in the fall, the Edmonton Convention Centre becomes a beehive of activity where service partners, agencies and hundreds of volunteers connect essential services with those in need. Our Spring event, Sunday May 5^th will see the community provide a welcoming environment to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Dental care, clothing, housing help, and mental health services are just some of the resources available to those that need them. The goal is to provide same-day assistance and support to help create paths out of homelessness, build lasting relationships and raise public awareness in our community.

The gentleness and empathy from our service providers, most of them volunteering on their days off, is a real show of kindheartedness that has come to symbolize the care and compassion seen at Homeless Connect. We are giving a voice to our incredible group of SP’s that show up year in and year out so they can share their experience on why they continue to help.

Optometry

Opticians and optometrists, including a large contingent from Pearle Vision, have been Involved in Homeless Connect since the first event back in 2008. They have a firm commitment in giving back to the community and this shows with the enthusiasm, energy, and kindness the team brings in year in and year out. Over the years, volunteers from varied practice settings have participated in providing care.

The team is comprised upwards of 5 doctors and 20 support staff who are all volunteering their time, skills, smiles and expertise. This allows the Optometry area to perform eye exams, generate prescriptions and referrals, as well as offer reading glasses to Homeless Connect guests. Those patients who require prescription spectacles are directed to a local Pearle Vision or Lenscrafters to receive a complimentary pair.

Stephanie Trinh of Pearle says the volunteers from the vision sector that spend the day with our vulnerable neighbours come away with gratitude and wonderful stories of connection to our community. “Our volunteers have nothing but positive memories of the day. It is one of the highlights of our year and the volunteers really enjoy the event. We now have other sector partners like Luxottica who are in partnership with the OneSight charity program donating supplies and other eye firms who are looking to participate.”, says Stephanie.

As one of the critical medical services that are present at Homeless Connect, there is always a line-up of appreciative guests looking to access the skills of the eye professionals on site. The numbers speak for themselves: 300 pairs of reading glasses, 150 referrals, 100 vouchers for glasses and 80 exams are done on site. For many of the guests, this will be the only eye exam they will have had in months or even years. No medical coverage or insurance is necessary to access the area, which is a huge plus for many of the guests.

Stephanie tells of one story that shows how a visit to the eye service provider section ended in turning one guest’s life around. “I once had a gentleman come to visit me and asked if I remembered him. I couldn’t place him, but he told me he came to a previous Homeless Connect and I had helped him. After Homeless Connect he was able to get glasses, which led to him getting his driver’s license, then a job then steady income. The event was life-changing for him. It was quite an emotional moment for me and him. So rewarding to help people get back on their feet.”

Thank you, Stephanie, Pearle Vision, OneSight, suppliers and other vision sector professionals, for your service. Homeless Connect would not be possible without the dedication and commitment from the partners who plan, deliver and participate in the bi-annual events.

MC COLLEGE

One of the services offered is complimentary haircare by students and staff of MC College. MC College Group trains over 700 students annually in Hairstyling, Esthetics and Fashion Design and places over 95% of these students in training related positions. The school has a firm belief in giving back to the community and this can be evidenced in the 11 years they have been coming with their services to Homeless Connect.

Zsuzsana Varga, an instructor at MC College, has this to say on the school’s participation. “MC College prides itself on giving back; it can be a reminder of how grateful we should be and to share of ourselves. Students have experienced a feeling of humbleness and they feel inspired to be more aware of the people around them.”

Students offer a complete line of hair services to the guests at Homeless Connect and for many this will be the only professional hair care they will experience until the next Connect months down the road. The simple joy of receiving a haircut and a smile is a powerful moment, says Zsuzsana, “When people get a haircut and kind words, magic happens. The hugs, smiles and sometimes tears of joy.”

VCA CANADA

Edmonton staff of some of the VCA Canada hospitals have been attending Homeless Connect since the Spring of 2017. You would not think that vet services would be needed at an event for our vulnerable citizens experiencing homelessness or at risk of. It turns out the table is one of the busiest at Connect and sees returning guests event after event.

Nicole S. explains it this way, “we wanted to get involved but we weren’t sure how big the need would be for homeless people with pets. We were absolutely overwhelmed. The need was so great and we were all so pleased to interact and hear their stories, and help in a way that was near and dear to us. The human-animal bond is so important to people in all walks of life.”

Once the opportunity was extended to sector partners, Becky says it wasn’t too hard to find other pet health groups that wanted to lend a paw. “I am so incredibly proud to be part of a company that allows us to give to the community like this. When we invited our industry partners to participate, they jumped on it so fast and make it so easy to get large amounts of supplies to these people in need.”

Often times our service providers witness or are part of an interaction that leaves a profound impact on them. We will leave the last word with Ruthie from VCA who was fortunate to be part of one that has left an indelible impression. “I was talking with a gentleman who was overwhelmed that we were giving him cat food which would last him so long for his pet. He explained that he ended up caring for the cat as it was left behind by someone who had moved on. He described the love the cat had for him and vice versa and it really hit home with me how pets make our lives better…I will remember that conversation and the gentleman forever. Being there to listen is just as important as providing products and services.

Thank You VCA for making sure all family is looked after at Homeless Connect

We thank our generous service providers like MC College and VCA Canada for offering their time, energy, compassion, skills and smiles that result in these “tears of joy” experiences to the guests of Homeless Connect. It truly takes a community to make steps towards ending homelessness.

Volunteering is a selfless act that helps lift your community up beyond its potential. It offers the volunteer a sense of giving back, social inclusion and involvement in making a positive impact in other people’s lives. According to Volunteer Canada, nearly 13 million Canadians contribute close to 2 billion hours annually to service work in our country. Regionally, over 1 million Albertans volunteer each year and in Edmonton, over 4000 non-profits rely on volunteers to keep their organizations running. We here at Homeward Trust are fortunate to have a bank of Edmontonians willing to offer up their time, skills, experience, and passion to help others without expecting anything in return. It’s National Volunteer Week, and all week, we’ll be featuring some of their stories.

Ben

Ben has been attending Homeward Trust events since 2011. He draws upon his own experiences in life as a tool to help others. “I volunteer because of what I believe I can put into it. You see, as a result of my own struggles, I’ve been gifted with a shift in perspective. Part of that perspective is the inherent knowledge that I’ve been given the gifts I have for a reason.”

Ben & a fellow volunteer at a past Homeless Connect

Whatever reasons volunteers have, each has their own story, their own moment when they witnessed something – a connection that was made to the event and to the volunteer. Ben helped a young mother call to Brazil – a gift to her that was priceless and for Ben as well in his own way. “I have no idea what ever became of Maria. I do know that in that moment, she felt relief. She felt connection. She felt hope. She entered the room hopeless and found some reprieve. I knew then, and I know now, that I am eternally blessed to have participated in that moment.”

We hope that if you decide to help at one of our events, you find your moment.

Tanya

Tanya is one of Homeward Trust’s longtime volunteers, having spent time at 26 events over the years, from Homeless Connect, Homeless Counts and to our Homeward Walk Run. She says she had found something after her first Homeless Connect and was hooked. “I knew it was something I had to be part of. I loved interacting with the clients one on one, hearing their stories, the struggles they have faced and continue to face daily.”

Not only has she volunteered, but she has also recruited 12 people who are committed to volunteering.

To anyone who is thinking of helping out, she says this. “It’s an amazing opportunity for you to help the less fortunate experience a day of free services. It’s the chance to give back to the community or maybe even make a difference in someone’s life. A smile goes a long way.”

We agree and thank you, Tanya, for all that you do and continue to do.

Tanya, first from left at volunteer registration table, April 2018 Homeless Connect

Candace

She heard about Homeward Trust through her church and felt it was a good opportunity to get to know her city and the people who call it home. “We volunteer to feel connected to our city and the people in it, they are worth getting to know.”

She has volunteered at Homeless Connect the past 7 years. While many say offering their time, skill and energy freely at Connect is a special day, for her it went beyond that – all the way to family ties.

“One time that will always stand out for me, was the time I was paired to guide my uncle, whom I hadn’t seen in years and have always wondered about.

We hugged, and took pictures, and caught up. That was it for me, all of these folks are someone’s family, and we have the chance during these events to extend the kindness to them that their family may only wish they could.”

She strongly encourages anyone who is sitting on the fence about volunteering to make the leap. As she puts it the effects on you could be life changing. “Do it, 100%. You may find you forge a relationship that changes who you are (even if it only lasts a few minutes) (and even if the person you help doesn’t remember you). Loving someone who needs it will always be its own prize.”

Janine

We often find the person in the act of giving will receive something in return that enriches their experience and leaves a lasting impression on how meaningful volunteering can be. Active volunteer Janine Isaac explains it this way, “…volunteering gives me a more informative perspective in terms of how individuals are living and interacting with our built environment. In this case, it’s not all rainbows and sunshine for most people, homelessness is an epidemic that needs to be addressed and volunteering is almost the gateway to understanding how people are affected and which factors are affecting them.”

Janine found out about Homeward Trust after some research while deciding to switch majors in school. As a result of discovering the work the organization is entrusted with, she has since volunteered for many events including the Homeward Walk Run, the Edmonton Homeless Count and our signature volunteer event, Homeless Connect Edmonton.

The reality of who she was helping hit home for Janine during an interaction with a guest at Homeless Connect. “… we met a young man who was telling us his story about how he was living with mental illness and how it really affected him in terms of finding housing and, in general, feeling triple the stigma as he was a youth with mental illness and homeless. He explained that before Homeless Connect, he wasn’t sure where he would get his next meal or sleep the next day. This moment was pivotal for me because it was when I realized the importance and impact of volunteering and the non-profit sector in general.”

Twice a year, at Homeless Connect many important supports are offered for the young man Janine met and 2000 other attendees, including housing information, medical testing and dental and eye care.

For Janine offering up her time and energy is a way to stay grounded to the events and people around her that share a different world then most of us. “Volunteer because you have the choice to… we currently live in an idealistic bubble that’s bound to smartphones and social media but without the filters and enhancements, there exists a real reality that is often neglected.”

If you are interested in signing up for Homeless Connect or any of the events Homeward Trust produces, you can head here for more information.

Youth Voices matter. This January, the 2^nd Without a Home National Youth Survey will amplify the voices of youth experiencing homelessness across Canada. We know from our real-time data that youth continue to experience homelessness in Edmonton.

Sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation, the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness (COH) in partnership with A Way Home Canada (AWH) are conducting Without a Home – a national survey on youth homelessness. First held in 2015, the study was the first and largest of its kind in Canada, with over 1,100 youth participants.

How crucial is this information?

Without a Home (2016) provided data on the causes and conditions of youths’ experiences of homelessness. Three policy briefs were developed in 2017 based on the findings of Without a Home to help inform federal, provincial, and municipal policy.

These briefs included

The purpose of the survey is to further strengthen youth experiences, improve the supports and services they receive, and guide structural, systems, and policy change.

Youth who live in Edmonton and are currently experiencing homelessness (or have within the last year) can participate and will be compensated $10 via gift card. Youth can participate at the following locations by contacting the listed agency representative.

Old Strathcona Youth Society (OSYS): Karen Drynan (edirector@osys.ca)
Youth Empowerment Support Services (YESS): Jessica Day (jessica.day@yess.org)

We all know that it takes a community to end homelessness. One person, agency or government body cannot take on this task by themselves. HomewardTrust works with several partners in trying to get to the finish line, one of the many agencies in this goal is an organization simply known as homeEd.

They are one of the only affordable housing landlords in the city with vacancies, which is remarkable considering there are current wait lists with thousands of names on them.

Amazing work done with a small but caring staff.

Established by the City of Edmonton in 1977, homeEd has been providing affordable rental housing to the low to middle income bracket, focusing on those making less than the median income. Properties include everything from studio apartments all the way up to three-bedroom town homes that are located throughout the city offering a roof overhead to those that could not otherwise afford one.

Shelley, a tenant in one of the organization’s 19 properties, says, “It helped me a lot. I wouldn’t have been able to pay full rent. HomeEd was a huge blessing to me in that way and still is.”

homeEd also makes a difference by their participation in the Housing Support program operated through HomewardTrust.

The Executive Director of homeEd, Jim Fowler, says that while the program is not perfect, “We have an important role here to play, and working with partners like Homeward Trust, we are very confident that we can navigate any challenges we have.”

Fowler encourages more landlords to participate in the Housing Support program for a few reasons. It is not often you can see someone’s life change before your eyes once stable housing is provided and that stress is taken care of. As well, there is a level of security in your tenant that you cannot get from taking in applications right off the street.

“How often do you get to hand-pick a tenant? A Housing Support tenant is not a roll of the dice. You are also offered a level of support that is only one phone call away,” says Fowler. “We have a very good relationship with all the partner agencies we work with,” he adds.

With only seven staff working out of a nondescript office in the west end, homeEd also employs 15 property managers and two handyperson. It is apparent through the numbers and testimonials that homeEd is making a difference in providing affordable mixed income housing for the citizens of Edmonton. Having partner organizations such as homeEd pitching in, the goal of helping our less fortunate housed is made that much easier for Homeward Trust Edmonton and other stakeholders.

Homeward Trust is honoured to learn that Edmonton will host the 2019 Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH) Conference. This is an annual national conference focused on ending homelessness in communities across Canada.

The much-anticipated location reveal was made this afternoon in Hamilton, ON at the end of the 2018 Conference by CAEH President and CEO Tim Richter.

“ When we come back together in Edmonton for #CAEH19 we can say we acted, we have less people experiencing homelessness. And one day, we won’t need the conference.”

This is the first time the sector’s leading conference will be held in Alberta.

With over 1300 delegates attending the Hamilton event, the same numbers or more can be expected for Edmonton which will provide a large national audience for this opportunity to showcase Edmonton’s leading practices, community progress, and local character.

The annual event is an opportunity for homeless sector workers, policymakers, individuals with lived experience and key funders from all levels of government to come together and share knowledge.

With Edmonton being recognized as a sector leader in ending homelessness, Homeward Trust CEO Susan McGee welcomes the news of the conference coming to Edmonton.

“We are honoured that the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness conference is coming to Edmonton. As a recognized leader across the country in making strides to ending homelessness, we look forward to hosting the delegates, policy makers, funders and those with lived experience to our city.”

Mayor Don Iveson posted a message welcoming the delegates to Edmonton after the announcement was made. Planning of the 8th annual 2019 conference will begin immediately with sector partners and Homeward Trust.

Supportive Housing is a cornerstone of Edmonton’s Updated Plan to End Homelessness. Currently, the plan calls for the construction of more than 900 units to help alleviate the high number of homelessness the city sees every day.

The location of Supportive Housing sites is based on proximity to public transit, amenities, and community support based on public consultation and information sharing. The city has several Supportive Housing sites scattered throughout the Edmonton region. Morning Fire Protector is in the historic Beverly Community.

The building officially opened its doors in 2015 and is a 14-unit program for Indigenous singles, families, and couples. It received its name during a night lodge ceremony. Program staff on-site support residents in accessing cultural resources and ceremonies and facilitate engagement with elders.

Why the Indigenous focus? In 2015, 54% of Housing Support clients were Indigenous. In the past few years, sharing circles, smudges, and traditional feasts have all been held at the residence. Tenants at MFP both engage in and appreciate a program based on culture.

Some of the tenants have told staff they have been able to transform their lives for the better with the stable housing, supports, and indigenous outreach offered by MFP. One Edmonton Police Service officer has made it a special priority to drop in and check on the facility as part of his rounds, and it has now become a favourite of the children who live there!

On October 18^th, the building’s residents and staff held a small community BBQ to bring the community together and perhaps dispel some myths about PSH and the people who inhabit it. Days prior, Staff went door to door and invited people and businesses from the community to the BBQ.

Over the span of two hours, around 40 people from the building and community stopped by to grab a plate of food. Some stayed, some got a plate and went back to their suite. Many laughs were shared, and new connections were made. Young babies, their mothers, brothers, mothers, dads, friends and workers all came together on a beautiful fall day to break bread and have a few hours away from their daily routines.

Through events like this, we see it truly takes a community to come together to make inroads to end homelessness and help our most vulnerable neighbours. Thank you to Beverly’s residents and businesses for helping Morning Fire Protector’s tenants and staff become a part of the community.

It takes several months of planning, hundreds of volunteers, several dozen service agencies, stakeholders and individuals to put together the bi-annual Homeless Connect event 2018. However, the day would happen without the contributions from the staff and resources of The Edmonton Convention Centre (ECC, formerly known as the Shaw Conference Centre (SCC).

The ECC has been involved in the community-wide event since the first event in 2008. Once in the spring and again in the fall, the Edmonton Conference Centre becomes a beehive of activity where service partners, agencies and hundreds of volunteers connect essential services with those in need.

Richard Wong, General Manager of the Edmonton Conference Centre, says, “Homeless Connect is an important event to the [Edmonton] Conference Centre, and we’re pleased to see the growing impact it has on our community each year as we continue to embrace social and cultural sustainability. It’s gratifying to see our city come together, and the [Edmonton] Conference Centre is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Edmontonians.”

Not only does the ECC provide the facility, but they also offer event management knowledge, staff who volunteer with their families, and a welcoming environment that helps foster connections between guests and the hundreds of volunteers and service agencies on site.

“Our team is honoured to work in collaboration with Homeward Trust to serve those in need. As a community hub, we are eager to lend out event space and expertise, along with food donations and food preparation services. We deliver exceptional experiences for the community in everything we do.” Wong adds.

We here at Homeward Trust are so grateful and appreciative that lead organizations such as the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) and the Edmonton Conference Centre have been on board since the beginning. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.

Twice a year, hundreds of people come down to the Shaw Conference Centre for the day to help their fellow Edmontonians. The Homeless Connect 2018 event sees community volunteers provide a welcoming environment for much-needed services to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Dental care, clothing, housing help, and mental health services are just some of the resources available to those who need them. The goal is to provide same-day assistance and support to help create paths out of homelessness, build lasting relationships and raise public awareness of homelessness in our community. This past April saw 350 volunteers come out to support more than 1700 of Edmonton’s most vulnerable residents.

The event would not happen without volunteer support, says Homeward Trust’s Volunteer and Event Coordinator, Janine Tremblay. “Homeless Connect is an anomaly in terms of the volunteer world. Every event I am overwhelmed with emotion from the love and support that our volunteers give. I have gotten to meet some of the most wonderful, inspiring people through the Homeless Connect volunteer program. We really can’t do it without the support of our amazing volunteers!” Tremblay says.

What drives some of the volunteers to come out and spend one of their valuable weekends setting up booths, being on their feet all day, handing out food, directing clients to the registration tables and everything in between? Let’s go ahead and ask them.

James is a recovering addict and has experienced homelessness for some time himself. He has worked at several Homeless Connects and relishes the opportunity to give back after being in the shoes of those that experience homelessness every day.

“I want to give back to the community I have taken so much from in my addiction. I just get a sense of well-being and appreciated. And for some reason, and this might seem selfish, but it’s also a reminder of where I was, how easy it would be to go back to that life and appreciate all the hard work I have done to get to where I am in life.”

For some, it is in their upbringing and helping others. Maureen says, “I know personally; it comes from my heart. My parents helped people and family in need. Through school and work, I would help, no questions asked. My husband got involved the year after. We have been guides at the registration desk, but we love being the “greeters.” You meet so many men, women, and now families. There is such a lot of need out there. “

The next Homeless Connect is Sunday, October 14. To be our guest or provide services, go here for more information. If you would like to volunteer for future events, sign up for our mailing list.

In mid-October, at the Edmonton Conference Centre (ECC) (formerly known as the Shaw Conference Centre (SCC)), nearly 2000 guests will descend upon one of the city’s signature buildings to take part in the bi-annual Homeless Connect 2018.

Since 2008, those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness can come to the event and access up to 80 different service providers in one location in one day, all provided free of charge. Nestled among some of the services that range from dental care to haircuts to help with finding housing is the Canada Revenue Agency.

While one would not normally expect the federal tax department to appear at a social service agency event, their appearance makes cents after hearing officials explain why.

“Filing a tax return opens the door to benefits that can make all the difference in the lives of those who need them the most. I am wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that vulnerable Canadians get the benefits and credits they are entitled to,” says the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue. “We will continue to improve access to benefits and credits for vulnerable populations by partnering with community organizations like Homeward Trust and continuing our in-person outreach efforts to educate and raise awareness of the benefits and credits available. I want to thank the dedicated volunteers from the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program for their efforts and for showing what can be accomplished when Canadians help each other.”

Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) Outreach/Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) helps low/no-income guests access the benefits and credits they may be entitled to. The program has been at the last six Homeless Connect (HC) events, and the volunteers are looking forward to participating again this fall. Also, at each event, they support the E4C Make Tax Time Pay (MTTP) program so guests can complete their tax returns for free.

Filing an income tax and benefit return is key to accessing benefits and credits—even if a person has no income to report. The Canada Child Benefit, the GST Credit, and the Disability Tax Credit are just a few of the child and family benefit programs guests could qualify for. It seems the volunteers with the CRA tax program fit right into Homeless Connect’s mission of helping those who need it most.

Susan McGee, CEO of Homeward Trust Edmonton, says the day is a key event not just for the clients but also for the hundreds of volunteers, service providers, sponsors, and the Edmonton Conference Centre (ECC) staff that make the day happen. McGee adds, “It’s about including people in our community. This is all about all of us working together and creating an environment that is really welcoming, respectful and breaks down some of the barriers.”

The next Homeless Connect event will take place on Sunday, October 14, at the Edmonton Conference Centre. To be our guest, volunteer or provide services click on this link here for more information.

7 Cities on Housing and Homelessness released the Alberta 2018 Point-in-Time Homeless Count, a report on the 3rd provincial point-in-time count (Count) coordinated by Alberta’s seven largest communities on April 11, 2018. The Count provides a snapshot of homelessness across the province and contributes to 7 Cities’ collective efforts to align approaches in assessing need and measuring progress in the work to end homelessness. While Counts are not a comprehensive measure of homelessness, they provide valuable information about the homeless population and identify trends over time.

For the first time, Alberta’s Count was aligned with a nationally coordinated effort of over 60 communities for the most complete Canada-wide picture of homelessness. Everyone Counts: The 2018 Point-in-Time Count was undertaken with the support of the Community Development and Homelessness Partnerships Directorate, Employment and Social Development Canada. “Each city has its own unique factors that contribute to homelessness, and the availability and application of resources looks different,” explains Susan McGee, Chair of 7 Cities. “Working together, we improve our ability to assess need and develop targeted and effective solutions that ensure homelessness is rare, brief and nonrecurring in our province.”

Alberta 2018 Point-in-Time Homeless Count Results

Over the past decade, homelessness has declined across the province, a direct result of evidence-based programs such as Housing Support, supported by provincial and local plans to end homelessness. The 2018 Count suggests homelessness has stabilized in the province, with local variations, during significant economic pressures and continued in-migration. New challenges have emerged for many communities during this time, including increased opioid use and a crisis impacting vulnerable people and the systems that support them.

The 2018 Count includes more organizations and systems along with several changes to the methodology, making it difficult to draw comparisons between Count numbers over time. In 2016, Alberta counted 5,367 individuals as experiencing homelessness, while this year, 5,735 individuals were identified as the same; including new data sources contributed to some of the increase, while decreases were seen elsewhere. Learnings from the 2018 Count reinforce the value of utilizing real-time data sources in system planning efforts that rely on up-to-date and comprehensive information. Alberta has been a leader in adopting and utilizing Homeless Management Information Systems, a core strategy in ending homelessness. Turner Strategies coordinated the provincial Count, including the technical analysis and final report.

The full 2018 Alberta Point-in-Time Homeless Count Technical Report is available here .

A printable PDF version of the Summary can be downloaded here.

Each of the seven communities (Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, Red Deer, and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo) will release their own local reports once completed.

About Alberta’s 7 Cities on Housing and Homelessness

7 Cities is a collaborative network of the lead organizations responsible for the implementation of local Plans to End homelessness. Since 2001, they have coordinated local plans at a systems level and aligned funding resources for greater impact and progress towards ending homelessness. A forum for dialogue with the federal and provincial representatives on housing and homelessness is created through the 7 Cities, resulting in long-standing histories of delivering strategic planning and service delivery.