TAPPING INTO SOURCES

2023 FALL EDITION

HOW TO RESPOND TO HOMELESSNESS

You are not alone in feeling angry and sad about the recent surge in homelessness. You might be even be worried your safety. The real question is what are we willing to do about it.

As part of a recent BC-based study*, 50 homeless individuals were provided an unconditional cash transfer and were followed for a span of one year. Contrary to popular belief, they did not spend more than what they usually did on drugs, alcohol or other temptation goods. In fact, they used the money to spend fewer days homeless and increase their savings.

Two more studies revealed that the homeless are perceived as having less warmth and competence. Also, there is a general mistrust towards them and in their ability to manage money.

SOURCES provides services to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

In the past year:

15 individuals accessed our substance use recovery services
20 got connected to housing services
15 accepted trauma counselling

We ask you to keep an open mind and find kindness in your heart for those experiencing homelessness. Contact us to see how you can lend your support today: Info@SourcesBC.ca or 604.531.6226

*Source: Unconditional cash transfers reduce homelessness | PNAS

HELPING OTHERS NAVIGATE

HOMELESSNESS & ISOLATION

"After falling short on my rent payment because my ex-spouse didn’t pay support. I found Sources Rent Bank and they were able to help me to secure the funds needed to make sure my children and I could remain housed. I found the process was easy to navigate and the representatives were courteous and compassionate with my situation."

- Client, Sources Rent Bank

“I am from the States and that was where my experimenting with opioids began. However, I didn't become fully addicted until I lost a friend and it caused too much grief.

I grew up with a lot of violence and drugs, and as a result, I became homeless and ended up living in trap houses. My addictions made my withdrawals unbearable and I held self-hatred and was self-harming. Once I had once overdosed with benzos which landed me in the hospital twice in one night.

In January 2019, I made the decision to detox and get the treatment, tools and help I needed. I now work with SOURCES as an outreach worker. Connecting with and supporting those struggling as it gives me meaning to my life."

- Peer Outreach Worker, SOURCES

SUPPORT HOMELESSNESS SERVICES

NEW SERVICES

LOW-BARRIER SERVICE & RESOURCE HUB

In partnership with the Church of the Holy Trinity, government and other non-profit agencies, Sources Peer Outreach team distributes food & beverages, hygiene products, winter clothing, and harm reduction supplies to those needing experiencing homelessness. Peer work opportunities are available for those interested.

GET DIRECTIONS

Hours and location

Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Church of the Holy Trinity

15115 Roper Ave, White Rock, BC

Access through the back of the church (Foster Lane)

For more information, contact Leanne Utendale LUtendale@SourcesBC.ca.

PEERING INTO EMPLOYMENT

FREE 8-week program for people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

· Workshops to enhance employability skills

· Short-term certificate training such as computer skills, customer service, first-aid and forklift training

· Program participation allowance

· Transportation, food, childcare supports and more!

· Up to 100 hours of PAID work experience placement job search support

For more information, call 778-731-9195 or email EeInfo@SourcesBC.ca

APPLY NOW

ACCESS WALK-IN CLINIC

Our White Rock/South Surrey food bank now hosts a walk-in clinic every Wednesday for those who are unable to access other medical services and are experiencing adversities.

Hours and location

Wednesday, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

2343 156 Street, Surrey, BC

GET DIRECTIONS

NEW LOCATIONS

TRAUMA COUNSELLING SERVICES

Our experienced trauma counsellors provide individual and group counselling for those who identify as women including CIS, trans, two-spirit and non-binary who have experienced sexual assault, childhood trauma, and/or intimate partner abuse.

New location

Unit 206 - 5740 176A St

Surrey, BC V3S 4H2

For questions, reach out to Deirdre Goudriaan at DGoudriaan@SourcesBC.ca or 604-541-4827.

LEARN MORE

VOLUNTEER SERVICES AND SENIORS HUB

Our senior services and volunteer services are now under one roof at Sources Food Bank!

Location

2343 156 St

Surrey, BC V4A 4V5

GET DIRECTIONS

WHAT'S KEEPING US BUSY

SOURCES FOUNDATION’S SIGNATURE FUNDRAISING EVENT OF THE YEAR

We are raising funds for our Community Living Program that provides care for adults with developmental disabilities and/or autism. Some of the proceeds will our greatest areas of need including food and housing security, mental wellness and poverty relief services.

While tickets to the event are sold out, you can contribute by donating to us online.

You can also show your support by entering our 50/50 Raffle Draw. The jackpot can grow up to $200,000 and winner takes half! The other half will go to supporting SOURCES services.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

September 23, 2023: LANGLEY AND SOUTH SURREY THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE WITH THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS

August 31, 2023: INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY AT WHITE ROCK PIER

September 20, 2023: END OF SUMMER BARBEQUE FOR OUR COMMUNITY STAFFED CLIENTS

September 13, 2023: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2022-23 AT WHITE ROCK COMMUNITY CENTRE

Our heartfelt thanks to Keynote Speaker of the evening Dr. Tammara Soma for her inspiring presentation "Our Home, Our Food, Our Resiliency".

SOURCES COMMUNITY HARVEST SERVICES

Offered free of charge to anyone looking for help with excess produce at their farm or backyard. To date, the team has harvested close to 1,845 kg of food and distributed to individuals coming to our food banks.

ABOUT US

Our Programs and Services

Give Back to Community

Have a question or comment about this newsletter?

Contact Communications@SourcesBC.ca | 778-653-8086

Thank you for staying in touch with SOURCES!