Whether you help to serve dinner on a weeknight or do an activity with our young guests on Sunday afternoons, you as an Inn from the Cold volunteer play an integral part in the work we do. Have you ever wondered – what else can I do to advocate for those experiencing homelessness?
In honour of National Volunteer Week, we wanted to provide you with some food for thought on other ways you can take action. Here are three things you can do which will make an impact and support our city’s vulnerable populations:
- Get educated locally. One of the best ways you can support those experiencing homelessness is to learn about vulnerable populations in our city and the challenges they face. Engaging Vulnerable People is a workshop that provides accurate information on homelessness, sensitivity training and non-violent intervention techniques, as well as a broad overview of available community resources. Click here more information.
- Connect with your Member of the Legislative Assembly. One of the most impactful ways to show your concern for an issue is to contact your MLA, express your concern about the issue of homelessness and find out what the government is doing about it. Alberta is coming to the end of its 10 year Plan to End Homelessness, so we as citizens should be asking – what happens next? You can find your MLA here.
- Learn about what is happening nationally. Something that has a significant effect on those experiencing homelessness here in Calgary is a lack of affordable housing. Recently, the federal government asked for the input of Canadians on housing, and will be releasing a comprehensive National Housing Strategy this year. We put forward our position on the National Housing Strategy, and you can support its implementation by learning about what commitments the federal government has made regarding housing. Find out more here.
