Launched by NWHCS in 2010,  I’s On The Street is still going strong!

I’s on the Street is an award-winning outreach/support services program that engages homeless or at-risk-of-being-homeless persons into supervised employment cleaning the sidewalks/streets in front of local businesses. It is based on a proven model with 30 years of success in Metro Vancouver and is designed to serve as a “stepping stone” to regular employment.

Participants are first connected to the support services they need (i.e., shelter and housing, health and safety, addictions and mental health, employment, and job training), and once stabilized the focus is turned to social integration and enhancing self-worth through employment. Participants become empowered, building habits and attitudes needed to be self-supporting members of the community.

Living with mental health or addiction problems and/or finding oneself homeless is a stigmatizing and profoundly humiliating experience. Indeed, when individuals seek help they usually do so with a long list of issues that need attention. The I’s on the Street program helps by constructing a prioritized plan of action towards building stability. Then it is vital to work on their skills development through employment, which rebuilds confidence and self-respect.

Programs like I’s on the Street empower individuals to be self-reliant once again. The program starts with the belief that there is inherent dignity in any useful work that contributes to the betterment of the community. By interfacing with the community in roles in which they are valued instead of feared, they develop and enhance positive self-worth, which in turn better prepares them to function effectively in other areas of their lives.

Currently, I’s on the Street operates in the four neighbourhoods in New Westminster, BC up to 6 days/week. I's are paid a living wage. The program is a unique partnership between NWHCS, New Westminster Business Improvement Area (DBIA), City of New Westminster, the Lookout Housing and Health Society, Fraserside Community Services-New Leaf Club House, and Elizabeth Fry.  NWHCS gratefully acknowledges the support of all these partners and those in the community who support fundraising efforts to to keep the program going.

City-wide funding (4 neighbourhoods) is in place until April 30, 2024. Neighbourhood funding is in place until December 2024 in the Downtown neighbourhood. We continue to raise funds to support program growth and ensure the sustainability of the program. We also have a new component where IOTS is available for community events on a fee-for service basis.

You can make a one time or monthly donation.

A one time donation of $120 will support one 3 hour shift for 2 I's being paid a living wage.