Editor: On behalf of the Langley Homelessness Steering Committee, I would like to extend our appreciation to all who were involved in the recent Homelessness Connect Event held on Oct. 17 at St. Joseph’s church. This was the second year that this event was held as part of Homelessness Action Week throughout British Columbia and the Yukon. The event was designed to bring services and service providers together in one space for efficient and effective access for those who need them.
During the event, approximately 80 people attended and received information and services from more than 20 service providers, multiple faith-based community groups and volunteers. Individuals attending received a kit of basic hygiene items, more than 30 people accessed clothing, 25 people received haircuts from Linda and 26 people received flu shots from public health nurses.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University nursing students volunteered and helped individuals complete My Health My Community online surveys, Crystal Vision and Hearing provided free hearing testing and almost all had something to eat and drink, met service providers and collected information on topics such as mental health, substance use services, housing, financial services (provincial, federal or budgeting/planning), medications or social connections amongst others. This event also provided service providers and volunteers a chance to network and to form stronger connections that will help us work together as a community.
We look forward to building on the successes of this event in future Connect Events and look forward to the continued support of our community partners, without whom none of this would be possible.
Fraser Holland,
Chair, Langley Homelessness
Steering Committee,
Langley
