HAW 2022

A year of connection, support, and community action on the North Shore

Returning Strong: HAW and Connect Day in 2022

With COVID restrictions lifted, the North Shore Homelessness Task Force (NSHTF) was thrilled to return to Connect Day and Homelessness Action Week (HAW) events. In 2022, four events provided services, meals, and community connection for unhoused and vulnerably housed community members.

Thanks to the Strengthening Communities’ Services grant, we were able to sponsor community meals, host a Harm Reduction & Naloxone workshop, and organize our annual Connect Day.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers, partners, local businesses, and individuals who donated their time, services, food, and products to make these events possible.

Nourishing the Community

Sharing Abundance – Oct 11
Thanks to the NSHTF sponsorship, Sharing Abundance served 103 meals, including meatloaf, roasted potatoes, vegetables, dessert, and grocery gift cards. About 20% of participants were new to the program and discovered a new weekly meal outlet.

St. Andrew’s United Church – Oct 14
St. Andrew’s hosted a sit-down Thanksgiving meal with 70–80 attendees. Guests enjoyed ham, scalloped potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, sweet corn, and pies. Volunteers and students helped serve, and grocery gift cards were distributed.

Educating for Safety

On Oct 13, Vancouver Coastal Health’s Overdose Emergency Response Team hosted a Harm Reduction & Naloxone workshop at North Vancouver City Library.

  • 25 participants attended; registration and waitlist were full
  • Training included education on harm reduction principles
  • Hands-on practice with naloxone kits facilitated by outreach workers, nurses, and peer workers

Connecting People to Services

Connect Day took place Oct 13, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Shipyard’s Pipeshop, with 130 participants attending. Services, food, warm clothing, and care packages were provided by numerous local organizations.

Highlights of Connect Day:

  • Complimentary foot care, bike repair, and mobile library services
  • Distribution of warm clothing, hygiene kits, gift cards, and groceries
  • Participation from over 20 community organizations providing info and support

Partners and Volunteers in Action

We couldn’t have done it without our incredible partners and volunteers:

  • The Salvation Army – food, gift vouchers, sleeping bags
  • Indigenous Innovations – health services info
  • North Shore Housing Centre – shelter info, care packages, peer support
  • CMHA Peer Assisted Care Team – self-care packages
  • North Shore Crisis Services Society – goodies and resources
  • Squamish Nation – outreach & service info
  • …and many more

Community Voices

Participants shared heartfelt gratitude for the resources and opportunity to connect with service providers. The event created meaningful connections and strengthened community support networks.

Thank you to every participant, volunteer, and organization for making Connect Day and Homelessness Action Week a huge success!

Thank You to Our Supporters

Special thanks to:

  • Volunteers & coordinators
  • Vancity, Vancouver Coastal Health, NexGen Hearing, Guli Matadali, SPARC BC, and others
  • Donors who provided warm clothing, food, care packages, and health supplies

Download HAW 2022 Report