Together, we can #endhomelessness – World Homeless Day

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.   

While having an International Day of Awareness is a step in the right direction, 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 and work towards ending homelessness in Edmonton:  

1) Participate:

Consider contacting local community organizations to donate needed items, volunteer your time or make a financial donation. One such organization is our own furniture bank, online and retail store, FIND, where every donation makes a difference in the lives of someone experiencing homelessness.  

FIND works in coordination with social agency partners and the Housing First Program to provide essential furnishings for those being housed. Follow the link below to learn more about FIND and a few of the other community organizations always in need of support as they support. 

• Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
• Bissell Centre 
• Boyle Street Community Services
• Edmonton Food Bank
• Edmonton John Howard Society
• E4C
• FIND
• George Spady Society
• Hope Mission Edmonton
• Jasper Place Wellness Centre
• Mustard Seed
• Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS)

2) Learn and Share:

Learn more and share resources to raise awareness and support those experiencing homelessness.    

• Books on homelessness
• Coordinated Access: See the schedule to connect with or refer someone to the team for housing support and services here.
• The Homeless Hub for easy-to-read and simple research resources. 
• Learn about the Housing First practice, programs, philosophy and principles in Canada from IGH 

3) Ways We Support:

As an organization, we collaborate with federal, provincial, and municipal governments to address the complex issue of homelessness in Edmonton. Here are a few of our approaches and initiatives:  

• We support those experiencing homelessness through our Housing First program, coordinated access, landlord relations, rental assistance, and training. Read more about our programs here.  

• Collaboration with the entire homeless serving sector to advance shared goals towards ending homelessness. This includes knowledge translation to the local sector and key partners.  

• The Institute of Global Homelessness 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 allows us to raise awareness and advance systems and programs. Learn more at IGH Hub.  

• Homeward Trust has also coordinated leadership and participation in several North American initiatives, such as Built For Zero Canada, Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness and Bloomberg Associates, to name a few. 

Let’s work together to end homelessness. Every little bit to support local organizations’ initiatives and help to raise awareness makes a difference in eliminating homelessness.