In Winnipeg, a group of volunteers is preparing 200 backpacks filled with clothing, non-perishable food, and essential supplies to support homeless individuals as winter approaches. The “Backpacks from Heaven” initiative began in memory of Chuck Neufeld’s son, Sean, who died from a drug overdose in 2021. Sean had been helping homeless people with food and […]

The YWCA’s women’s emergency shelter in Cambridge has been operating at full capacity since its opening earlier this year, consistently turning away women in need. With just 20 beds, the shelter is currently the only 24/7 emergency shelter for women in Waterloo region, and staff have had to reject over 77 service requests in the

April Lushaw, a resident of Sidney, B.C., has been living in her Jeep Liberty since August 2024 after losing her housing. She relies on disability assistance and struggles to find a rental place while caring for her daughter, who currently stays with her in-laws. Lushaw shared her situation at a public hearing regarding the potential

A groundbreaking ceremony took place in Ottawa’s south end to celebrate a new shelter for Inuit women and children fleeing violence. The shelter, a first of its kind south of Inuit Nunangat, is spearheaded by the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition (OAC) and will provide culturally relevant services rooted in traditional Inuit knowledge. Stephanie Mikki Adams, co-chair

Saint John’s relocation of homeless encampments from “red zones,” where tents are banned under the Housing for All strategy, has sparked confusion and concern among both residents and outreach groups. Melanie Vautour, executive director of Fresh Start Services, noted that many people are unsure about where they can safely set up tents and still access

The new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in Lambton County is set to open on November 3, located at 210 Lochiel Street in Sarnia. The hub will provide seven acute withdrawal management beds and 30 additional beds for longer stays of up to 18 months. Construction is already underway, with beds expected to

Opaskwayak Cree Nation is urgently working to address rising drug addiction in its community by planning Manitoba’s first dedicated rehabilitation facility, but is waiting for crucial federal funding. Currently, the community of over 6,000 lacks a permanent rehab center, forcing residents to travel to other regions for help. A 21-day pilot program run by Opaskwayak

Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservative government has made significant progress in expanding housing with over 1,100 supportive units, surpassing its goals and expecting to reach nearly 1,600 units by 2028. While this growth is a step forward, addressing homelessness requires more than just providing housing. Mental health, addiction issues, and high rates of criminal involvement among

Connective Support Services, the management company for Whitehorse Emergency Shelter, has welcomed the creation of a new advisory committee to help guide the shelter’s operations. The committee, formed by the Yukon Government and First Nation governments, includes six First Nation representatives and three from the Yukon Government, with two co-chairs: Michelle Telep (deputy chief of

Greater Sudbury city council has endorsed a new plan to address homelessness, addiction, and safety challenges in its downtown core. A key initiative is expanding the Energy Court warming centre into a 24-hour social services hub, offering round-the-clock access to washrooms, addiction treatment, and other services. The centre, managed by the Go-Give Project, will continue