Program Looks To Connect Homeless With Community

A new project in Vernon aims to create a personal connection between community members and homeless individuals.

The Homeless Partners Christmas Wish List is a website being used by the Turning Points Collaborative Society to promote personal stories and wish lists from Vernon’s homeless and shelter people.

The idea is for people to read the stories, make a connection with a person in need, and make a donation to help them.

“Homeless Partners’ intention is to promote a personal connection between individual homeless/sheltered people with community through caring, respect and understanding of lived experiences,” says Maggie Metz, Homeless Partners Coordinator. “The project encourages the community to treat those without a home as people of equal worth and dignity rather than “invisible.” Every person wants to feel cared for and this project is a safe and effective way to raise awareness about the issue of homelessness through community support for the project. Community participation in the project may encourage decision-makers to take action to reduce homelessness in our community.”