Project Description
NELSON COMMITTEE ON HOMELESSNESS
Homelessness affects the whole community. Homelessness doesn’t have just one cause, or a simple solution- and is too large for any one organization to address on its own.
In 2001 Nelson CARES Society helped start the Nelson Committee on Homelessness (NCOH) to bring together the various organizations seeking solutions. We believe through communication and collaboration among various government, business and service organizations we can make a difference.
Meeting once a month, NCOH shares information about developing issues in affordable housing and homelessness affecting Nelson. The group shares best practices, discusses plans and strategies, supports plans and initiatives of its participants and collaborates to sponsor new initiatives – its own or of participating groups. NCOH also researches issues to help all stakeholder agencies make better and more effective decisions.
Working with other agencies, NCOH has successfully supported the creation of several community programs. The Nelson Food Cupboard, Stepping Stones Emergency Shelter, Ward Street Place, Our Daily Bread, Adult Support Recovery Beds, Street Outreach, Transitional Support Worker and Nelson’s first Homelessness Point-in-Time Count are all examples of initiatives that stem from the NCOH table.
REPORT CARD ON HOMELESSNESS FOR NELSON, BC
Each year the Nelson Committee on Homelessness releases an Annual Report Card on Homelessness in Nelson BC. The Report Card helps the community have a better understanding of who is homeless in the Kootenays, the causes, and what work is being done in our community to address this issue.
The Report Card collects a variety of data, including housing indicators like vacancy rates, rental rates and how government income assistance and other programs are meeting the needs. By tracking trends and making them available to the community and other stakeholders, the report supports decision making to address homelessness.
The Report Card also features voices and stories of people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness and shares information on the incredible community partnerships and work being done to address poverty and homelessness in Nelson.
COMMUNITY CONNECT DAY
Since 2007 NCOH has hosted Community Connect Day. It is a late November marketplace of free services, activities and resources for anyone in the community who is struggling to make ends meet.
Each year businesses, professionals, agencies, faith groups, government staff and community members volunteer, offering everything from dental, vision check-ups to haircuts to free, lightly-used boots and coats to new, warm socks for those who could use a pair. Local businesses donate food for the free cafe and items for door-prizes. Local agencies are on hand to connect with people and offer information, support, services and follow-up appointments to people attending the marketplace.
All together, everyone – guest and volunteer alike – leave with a smile on their face! Volunteer and community support is essential to the success of Community Connect Day and NCOH thanks participants for their generosity over the years.
A safe, permanent, affordable home is the first step towards improving someone’s life, and in turn, the life of the community.”
– Ann Harvey, NCOH Community Coordinator
NCOH IS FUNDED BY:
