For the last eight years, those behind Homelesspartners.com have successfully forged personal connections between those in need and local residents during the holiday season.
Launched in 2005 in Vancouver by former longtime Deep Cove couple Jennie and Daniel Keeran (current Victoria residents), the volunteer-based site sees the stories and wishes of people struggling with homelessness posted online. Community members are encouraged to log on, read the profiles and pledge the gifts of their choice, dropping them off at participating shelters prior to Christmas day. The North Shore Shelter has long participated in the program.
"That's one of the most difficult parts of being homeless, it's often said that they feel invisible. This makes them feel like they're a human being and someone cares for them," says Jennie.
The site has continued to expand to include 10 North American cities and approximately 6,700 gifts have been pledged over the last five years. Now, Homelesspartners.com is looking to go global and those involved have launched an Indiegogo campaign (homelesspartners.com/fundraiser). On until Nov. 20, they're seeking $10,000 to fund an improved website that will allow volunteers in any community around the world to launch their own project. In addition, the funds will help the organization become a registered charity, hire a support person for December, and fund some marketing initiatives.
The idea for the campaign came from Vancouver's Kenny Grant, of Viral Foundry. An annual donor, he realized there were some problems with the site and so volunteered to help improve it, drawing on his professional background in the local start up community. Once the funds are collected, Grant and a team of programmers and designers, including friend and web developer John Kor, a North Vancouver native, will lock themselves in a room for 72 hours, Nov. 22-25, for a marathon coding session to ensure the revamped site is ready for the 2013 holiday season.
Local wishes will be posted by early December.
