I've finally completed the task of condensing two 20-page health needs assessment reports to a succint 4-page fact sheet!  Wow, who knew how much information we'd be able to gather through the paper survey we circulated this summer.  It was quite a task to narrow it down, but hopefully this condensed version will be helpful in informing or supporting initiatives to improve health and access for homeless and at-risk people in York Region.

On May 26, with the participation of housing advocates, 4 people who have experienced homelessness launched a historic legal challenge against the governments of Canada and Ontario for violating their human rights and the rights of people who are unable to obtain safe, accessible affordable housing.

On October 19, people rallied in cities across Canada in support of Bill C-304, requiring Canada to develop a national housing strategy. The final vote on Bill C-304 is expected soon.

Anecdotally, we know that individuals who are homeless and at risk of homelessness in York Region face significant challenges to their health in terms of having basic needs met and being able to access health care resources.  Studies documenting the specific health-related challenges of these members of our communities are extremely limited.  With funding provided through the federal Homelessness Partnership Initiative, the York Region Alliance to End Homelessness has rec

What can you do on a Sunday afternoon with 7 Hotties in cool t-shirts, pajama bottoms, and a shining silver wig at the Aurora Sports Dome?  Tackle exciting challenges that both raise awareness and raise money to tackle homelessness in York Region, of course!

It's a great practice to celebrate successes.  In working with many members of YRAEH, it's easy for workers in this field to get burdened and feel the strain of difficult circumstances or a lack of resources or challenging obstacles to effective change and improvements.  However, I truly believe that there is power in the practice of celebrating moments of success and accomplishment.

A provincial campaign called Put Food in the Budget is challenging individuals through a survey tool - Do the Math - to count the cost of typical daily living and weigh it against standard amounts that people may receive through government social assistance.  The survey challenges people to imagine themselves in the position of needing to make ends meet on a social assistance budget.  In many cases, that may involve difficult decisions such as whether or not to m

Who knew? It was pointed out to me recently that on the back of a $20 bill there are stunning images of aboriginal art and there is a powerful quote from Gabrielle Roy "Could we ever know each other in the slightest without the arts?"

Good news or bad news first?  This is probably one of my least favourite questions...but it seems appropriate today since I have a couple of extremely good news items, but also a not-so-good update today.

I came across a Toronto Star article this weekend about how "Losties" may have altered the plans of the White House.  In short, a proposed change of schedule to the State of the Union address threatened the final season premiere of the TV series Lost.  This led to a massive outcry from avid Lost viewers ("Losties") through multiple web-based social media like Facebook and Twitter.  The result?  The conf

Winter has arrived this week and it has significant impact on individuals who have been staying outside and organizations who are providing emergency winter shelter.  It's -10^oC and there is a biting wind.