Meet the Needs Fund lets our Homeless Outreach Team pay for essential and immediate needs of the most vulnerable populations on the North Shore and the Sunshine Coast. 100% of the funds are delivered directly to these individuals.
These individuals live without permanent or safe homes—many live in their cars, RVs, on the street, may be “couch surfing” without stability or security, or facing unaffordable rental situations after losing a roommate.
Typical needs paid for my this fund may include:
- Grocery or gas vouchers
- Flashlights
- Blankets
- Warm clothing and socks
- Tents
- Car batteries for charging phones
- Firewood for heating
- Moving expenses and rent assistance
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP
How the Fund builds relationships
Addressing precariously-housed individuals’ basic needs lets our Homeless Outreach Team build relationships and trust. This helps open the door to deeper discussions about their struggles and the services they can access. In turn, our staff can identify barriers that limit individuals’ access to well-being and safe housing.
Connecting homeless people to health and social service resources in the community is a first step to building an individualized wellness plan and introducing them to available services and peer support.
Examples of individuals we helped
Elijah* was homeless and living in a leaky tent when our Homeless Outreach Team contacted him. They got to know Elijah and were able to bring him a new tent and some warm clothes to improve his immediate circumstances. They continued to visit Elijah, wanting to connect him to services. To access services, he needed a bank account, but didn’t have any identification to open one. Our team helped request Elijah’s birth certificate from Quebec and helped him with the paperwork to get a BC services card and open a bank account in his name. Now, Elijah can access community services and his situation has improved considerably. He has reached sobriety and found stable, supported housing where he is continuing his recovery journey.
Our Homeless Outreach Team met Renata* on the verge of becoming homeless after she lost her roommate and was unable to pay rent. Our team provided her with a rental supplement. Renata was experiencing barriers finding work and unable to find low-market housing. Our team set up an interview with a landlord who provides affordable housing. With some coaching, funds for a haircut and new clothes for her interview, Renata successfully found a more affordable home. As our team kept in touch with Renata, she sought employment but a barrier to her confidence in interviews was that she had severe tooth decay. Outreach funds were able to provide some emergency dental treatment and a cell phone. Renata is now employed with stable housing.
*pseudonyms
About our Homeless Outreach Team
Our team of frontline, professional social service workers are well-informed about local resources. They provide support and encouragement for someone to take the path to recovery and find greater stability. They are currently in touch with 250 precariously-housed individuals.
Services our outreach staff provide include, but are not limited to:
- Housing searches and filling out housing applications
- Applying for Income Assistance
- Canadian Pension Plan and disability information
- Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement
- Food resources and services
- Connecting to mental health and community resources
How your gift can help
The Meet the Needs fund relies on donors like you in order to be able to address the immediate and essential needs the most vulnerable members of our community. Your gift can help an individual access supportive housing, find employment, and begin their journey towards wellness and recovery.
- $20 pays for a warm drink and snack
- $30 pays for a haircut
- $100 pays for a pair of socks, gloves, and hat
- $250 pays for 5 grocery cards
- $500 pays for a load of dry firewood
- $1,000 provides a few rent subsidies for those who risk eviction
