You Count in Renfrew-Collingwood

We have been working on two research documents to help increase awareness and engagement with issues of homelessness, and are pleased to share these with you here.

"Understanding How Homelessness Affects Us All"
(with accompanying Kitchen Table Discussion Guide)

In partnership with SPARC-BC, the Renfrew-Collingwood Homelessness Committee developed this resource to help communities engage with the issue through sensitivity training, discussion and awareness raising.  It answers commonly asked questions, summarizes policy and community solutions, and gives some guidelines to hosting a meaningful "kitchen table discussion".

"Widening the Circle of Community: 
How Renfrew-Collingwood Responded Collaboratively to Homelessness to Create Inclusivity in an Evolving Neighbourhood"

In partnership with UBC's Centre for Population Health Promotion Research, the Renfrew-Collingwood Homelessness Committee sought to document the process of creating a community based response to homelessness at Collingwood Neighbourhood House.  As one of 2 community based initiatives outside of the DTES (the other is hosted by Kits Community Centre), the Saturday Breakfast and Shower Program at Collingwood Neighbourhood House is an innovative model for responding to people in need through compassion and building relationship and community.  This research project documents lessons learned and best practices related to creating local partnerships in support of a homelessness initiative.

On October 14, 2009 during Homeless Action Week, the Renfrew-Collingwood Homelessness Committee held a neighbourhood homeless count. Here is the report, with recommendations, from the count.

If you have comments or questions regarding these documents, please contact Mike McLenaghan at CNH. Ph: 604.435.0323


For more info on Homeless Action week events in other communities, go to www.stophomelessness.ca

 

For general inquiries contact Collingwood Neighbourhood House at 604-435-0323 or 5288 Joyce St., Vancouver, BC V5R 6C9.