Each year in June, our Community Engagement Working Group starts to plan for Homelessness Action Week (HAW) that happens in October every year. HAW provides an opportunity to support vulnerable community members through the distribution of basic needs items, food, etc. while also providing opportunities that will engage diverse community members and raise awareness about local homelessness and housing issues.

In 2022, 40+ organizations contributed to HAW and provided a week that contained a HAW Kick Off (Homelessness Storytelling Walk, Burrito Brunch, clothing and basic needs giveaways and a special municipal voting opportunity), CONNECT Day (Breakfast, clothing boutique, service provider info fair and flu shots), a Film Night, FREE laundry and Haircut events, a service provider walking tour, HAW in Hyack Square (an opportunity to learn about the newly adopted Homelessness Action Strategy, activities, student music and Mac and Cheese, Indigenous supports, basic needs giveaways), an Eatery challenge in recognition of World Food Day and meals (Pasta Amazing community lunch and Friday night meal).

We relied on community donations and in-kind/monetary support from partners to put on many of these activities. this fund will provide us with an opportunity to support additional activities that we would not normally be able to afford.