In the news: http://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/news/151046055.html
http://www.infocusmagazine.ca/2011/from-dawn-to-dawn/
VISION
“That everyone has a home to call their own and the support to realize their potential.”
Our Society’s MISSION is:
- Leadership – Partnership – Innovation through Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness.
Our Society’s MANDATE is to:
- To research, develop and implement programs to house and support homeless individuals toward their own self-determination.
Our Roots
Our Society utilizes the “Housing First” model and follows the British Columbia Harm Reduction Guidelines.
Housing First is itself a ‘harm reduction’ model that moves homeless individuals into housing to minimize the social, psychological and physical harm associated with ‘living on the streets’ and begins the process of increasing self-determination.
Dawn to Dawn: Action on Homelessness Society was created in the spring of 2007 following a large community meeting of various service providers that assist homeless individuals in the Comox Valley. The group registered as the non-profit society — Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness — as of August 2007.
Our definition of homelessness is one that is widely used:
Absolute homelessness: refers to persons who are living with no physical shelter (i.e., on the street, in doorways, in parkades, in their vehicles, in parks and on beaches), as well as those people currently living in emergency or temporary accommodation. Also refers to those who are considered the “invisible” homeless, such as individuals who are “couch surfing” (i.e. staying in a bed that one does not consider their own) or staying temporarily with family and friends
And at-risk for homelessness: refers to persons living in situations that do not meet basic health and safety standards, do not provide security or personal safety and are not affordable.
Our Goal
To mobilize the Comox Valley community to eliminate the problem of homelessness over the next few years.
Our target group is people who are homeless and those at immediate risk of becoming homeless.
Our name reflects a desire to seek solutions that operate around the clock. The Society has an all-volunteer, working and policy-setting board.
Membership is open to people who wish actively to assist to end homelessness in our communities.