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Action on HomelessnessTake Action
Making Change in your Community around Issues of Homelessness: An Action Resource
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
Community Action on Homelessness believes that many actions can lead to real lasting change around issues of homelessness and housing. From community member, to business person, to student, to government we all have a role to play in making change. This action sheet provides examples of ways that everyone can get involved in overcoming the homelessness crisis.
Educate Yourself & the Community
1. The first thing that you can do is to educate yourself about the issue. This will help you understand the many complex aspects of homelessness, as well as enable you to educate others, and take informed action. There are many good resources that provide information about homelessness and the factors that contribute to it, and the solutions. You can find these at:
2. Reading the newspaper and continuing to learn about housing issues in your community and city will keep you aware of the situation as it changes and as political decisions are made. Join our moderated Mailing List (don't worry, you won't get spammed - it's not a two-way discussion group, it's a one-way mailing list, releasable only by us. And your email address is hidden). If you want to publish a community notice to our mailing list, send it to us first.
3. After educating yourself it is important to reflect on your attitude and behaviour towards homeless people in your community. One homeless youth in Halifax once said, "We are just ignored, like people don't even want to know that we exist. I just want to be noticed." It can be as simple as smiling and acknowledging those who sit on the street, or ask them how they are doing.
It can really brighten someone's day when they are acknowledged on the street. This can also mean making an informed comment when people make stereotypical comments about homeless people or noting that homelessness is more than just people sleeping on the streets.
For more information contact us.
Volunteer Your Time
There are many opportunities to give of your time and your resources, and agencies are always looking for volunteers. Making cookies to drop off at a youth drop-in centre, or volunteering at a soup kitchen, even giving old clothes or furniture to a furniture bank are ways to help those on the street. These are small things that people can do in the short term, but will not solve the problem in the long-term. A list of organizations that are always seeking volunteers or donations can be found on the Community Action on Homelessness website: www.cahhalifax.org/AgencyList.htm.
Make Housing a Political Issue
Although acts of charity and volunteerism work to alleviate some of the conditions of poverty and homelessness, it does not eliminate the problem. People can engage in charitable actions, but it is important to also focus on the bigger political and social solutions. After you are informed and educated, the next step is to make housing a political issue.
Canada is the only country in the developed world that does not have a National Housing Strategy. All federal funding towards housing was cancelled in 1993 and has since contributed to the growing affordable housing deficit. Although there are some good programs such as the Supporting Communities Partner Initiative (SCPI), which have provided funding to projects for at-risk or homeless people. However, there is still need for the Federal government to take a lead in supporting a National Housing Strategy.
In 2001 the ‘Affordable Housing Framework Agreement’ was signed by all Provinces and Territories and the Federal government. This agreement could be the beginning of a new national housing strategy. The Provincial government has not acted upon this agreement in full and should be building more affordable housing. It is important that government representatives know that people care about this issue. More information about the ‘Affordable Housing Framework Agreement’ can be found at: www.housingagain.web.net.
Politicians need to know that their constituents care about people who are homeless, and support an affordable housing strategy. The government makes decisions based on what you say; writing a letter to your local MLA or MP is an excellent way to express your opinion. Mail may be sent postage-free to any Member of Parliament at the following address:
House of Commons
Parliament Buildings
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A
6
Don't know who is your provincial or federal representative?
Federal: You can find your Member of Parliament (MP) on the federal goverment's website by using your postal code.
Provincial: A list of all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) is available on the provincial government's website.
It is also useful during any election, to inquire about the policies and action plans that various political parties have to address homelessness. Questioning politicians about the 'Affordable Housing Framework Agreement' is a good way to encourage your MP or MLA to put housing on their agenda. Writing an editorial or letter to the editor in your local newspaper is another good way to bring the issue into the mainstream.
All these actions can work together to make a change and put an end to homelessness in our city and our country. For more info contact the CAH office.
Skill Building Workshops
Community Action on Homelessness presents skill-building workshops for agency representatives and First Voice involved with addressing the issues surrounding homelessness. Priority topics have included: working with the media, dealing with NIMBY, and grant writing, as well as many others!
These workshops are free of charge and open to the community but there is limited seating. For more information contact Community Action on Homelessness.
Public Information Sessions
Community Action on Homelessness is available to make presentations to community groups, schools, or any group of interested individuals, about the issues surrounding homelessness and the community solutions being developed.
If you or your group would like to have a presentation arranged, please contact Claudia Jahn at 420-6026 or email cjahn@cahhalifax.org.