MEMBERS of the North Shore's Homelessness Task Force came before City of North Vancouver's council Monday to explain some of the planned events for Homelessness Action Week next week.
"Homelessness is experienced by youth, adults, seniors and families," said Paul Butler, youth services co-ordinator with Hollyburn Family Services.
"Everyone who is homeless or at risk of being homeless has their own story, but it's usually the result of not having enough income, lack of affordable housing, not accessing health care or social support services or they're dealing with some form of addiction or mental health issues."
Butler said the Lookout shelter had helped hundreds of people find food, shelter and other kinds of help. Hollyburn is also expanding its transitional housing for youth.
The week includes a wide range of events and programs, starting with Thanksgiving dinner at Lookout, 705 West Second Street, Monday at 5 p.m. There will be another dinner on Tuesday and on Wednesday there will be a 5 p.m. open house at the Youth Safe House. This event will include housing outreach, haircuts, clothing, food, hygiene kits and programs for those struggling with drugs or alcohol.
John Braithwaite community centre will host a similar event, called North Shore Connect, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Connect will also offer a health clinic, foot care, flu vaccines, oral health, showers, shoes, socks and blankets, as well as advice on housing, employment, income assistance and many other programs.
Butler rattled off 18 different municipal, regional and nonprofit agencies that had come together to make the week happen. Coun. Craig Keating - a provincial New Democrat - asked if the provincial or federal government had helped out.
"Good question," replied Butler. "A lot of these issues have been falling on to municipalities of late due to provincial and federal cutbacks."
