Housing

This moving series created by Lu’ma Native Housing Society and Little Bird Media explores housing insecurity among Indigenous Peoples, who are disproportionately represented among people experiencing homelessness. Sitting In the Tall Grass illustrates the importance of safety and access to basic necessities in a person’s journey to health and security.

Housing First is a recovery-oriented approach to addressing homeless. It is anchored in the belief that safe, permanent, independent and barrier-free housing, coupled with appropriate supports, is a critical first-step to ending homelessness. Housing First is based on 5 Core Principles. The video below discusses why Housing First is such a successful model.

The circumstances that lead to a person finding themselves unhoused are often rooted in trauma or systemic issues such as poverty. “Escaping poverty” is never as simple as finding employment or improving personal financial management. This short video illustrates the complex and deeply-rooted causes of poverty, and why it is so difficult for individuals and families to improve their financial well-being.

Society often applies stereotypes to individuals who find themselves unhoused: mental illness, substance abuse, uneducated and unemployed. The reality is that a perfect storm of circumstances can lead to the most unlikely candidates finding themselves without a home.

Affordable housing is a key element to addressing homelessness. Having a safe and secure place to sleep, prepare meals, and tend to one’s most basic needs is a foundational requirement for empowering individuals to access supports or seek employment. As this video explains, providing affordable housing has positive impacts on our communities and economy. Please note that this video was shared in 2015. Although the general trends are still relevant, the statics are no longer accurate.

Homeless encampments are commonly viewed as sites that proliferate behaviours (such as substance use) that the public generally considers to be unsightly or dangerous. The reality is that encampments represent the resilience of individuals experiencing homelessness, providing a central location to share resources and to provide support for one another. Behaviours such as substance use are often a result of deep trauma and inadequate social supports. The removal of encampments displaces individuals, risking re-traumatization, and can only be effective if safe and adequate housing and support are available immediately for displaced individuals.

Read An Open Letter from Academics

Testimonials

‘Ksan Society clients and residents share their experiences of being unhoused. Homelessness is rarely a choice.

‘Ksan Transition House provides safe shelter, basic necessities, and a broad range of practical and emotional support for women and children fleeing violence.

The BC Society of Transition Houses website shares a number of links and phone numbers for women seeking protection and refuge from domestic violence.

trauma

Understanding how our brain reacts to real and perceived threats can be helpful in understanding how we react to trauma triggers.

Continual exposure to trauma, particularly when experienced in childhood, has significant and long-lasting impacts on our neurological system. Whereas a “normal” stress response occurs when our brain senses that we may be in danger, and eventually shuts off, the neurological alarm system of a person with continual exposure to trauma may stay switched on. The result is that the person remains in a constant state of stress response. Substances like alcohol, drugs, and prescription medication are ways in which individuals can manage their overactivated stress response, often allowing them to function in their day to day lives.

Depression can be an all-consuming condition effecting every single aspect of life. There is no single approach to addressing depression, but openness about how you are feeling and seeking support from others are key.

Sexual Assault

The topic of consent has gained widespread attention in recent years. The #MeToo Movement (originally founded by Tarana Burke), gained public recognition in 2019, as survivors of sexual assault began using available platforms to share their experiences and name their perpetrators publicly. A key component of participating in the social movement against sexual assault, sexual harassment, and rape culture is understanding the concept of consent.

Anti-Violence

Violence in relationships can take many forms - and they can all be difficult to talk about. This free exploration tool allows you to privately assess your relationship by walking you through a series of situations. Once you complete the brief assessment, you will provide tools for asking for help.