VISION
“That each individual in the Comox Valley has barrier-free access to a comprehensive array of coordinated housing and supportive service options that maximize self-sufficiency and quality of life.”
Our Society’s MANDATE is to:
- Provide support to our program participants to help each to move toward their own level of independence;
- Provide welcoming and low-barrier housing and support services for the homeless and those at imminent risk of becoming homeless;
- Provide welcoming and low-barrier health care and support services to individuals who are homeless and those at imminent risk of becoming homeless.
Our Roots
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.