Watch 50 volunteers pack 175 food hampers for 250+ islanders in need at the Farmers’ Institute. Salt Spring Community Services manages and plans this annual event in addition to managing the food bank year round. The Institute is setup like a store with stations for volunteers to ‘shop’ at food stations managed by other volunteers […]
Emergency Shelter
November 27, 2015 by
The Shelter is up and running for the season. It opened on November 6 and since then has been operating every night. Of the twelve nights between Nov. 6 and 17 eight were eligible for BC Housing funding. The average occupancy per night has been 15, ranging from 8 to 23. Alan Hans, a special […]
Housing Committee
November 27, 2015 by
We have created a community housing support advisory committee to guide the use of the various rent supplement programs managed by SSICS (Island Health, BC Housing, Homelessness Partnering Strategy). At this point the committee includes SSICS outreach and Housing First staff, Island Health mental health staff, and IWAV staff.
Restorative Justice
November 27, 2015 by
Charles Kahn has now stepped down from his coordinating role. He is replaced by Angela Mallard and Darlene Gage. Once the local RCMP staffing situation has settled we will undertake some planning to see how the program can be strengthened and connected with other community safety and justice services.
Myth: Those experiencing homelessness are mentally ill, drug addicts, or alcoholics
November 27, 2015 by
Reality: While it’s estimated 25-50% of those affected by homelessness have mental health or substance abuse problems, many face different challenges. These challenges can be the product of an accident, or brought on by the ever-rising costs of food, rent, medication, and other essentials. Homelessness is not always caused by health issues. It is often caused by […]
