Volunteers the Heartbeat of Homeless Connect 2018

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.

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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We recognize we are gathered, in collaboration and with joint purpose, on Treaty 6 territory. This territory is the traditional home and gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples. The nêhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux/Ojibwe), Nakota Isga (Nakota Sioux), Inuit, and Métis, among many others cared for this land since time immemorial and continue to steward it today. As visitors in this territory, we honour the importance of the Treaty and our responsibility to these communities. Only in partnership can we create the changes necessary to end homelessness. It is vital we meaningfully engage and partner with Indigenous people and communities in this work while recognizing and addressing the conditions brought forth by colonialism. Displacement from traditional homelands, systemic racism, residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and the ongoing overrepresentation of Indigenous people in child welfare, correctional systems, and homelessness are responsibilities we all share.