Our Programs
Each of our four programs are based on our pillars of connection, authenticity, and community.
Distribution
Giving out necessities to unhoused communities on a monthly basis, and providing a space for the people we serve to share their stories.
Education/Awareness
Chalking messages to spark conversations and raise awareness in communities, and advocating for increased education on the topic of youth homelessness in secondary schools.
Shelter Care Packages
Creating personalized care packages for youth living long-term in a shelter, to allow the youth we serve to feel seen and special instead of lost in a crowd.
Distribution
Each month, our team aims to visit communities in BC that are struggling with housing issues and are in need of basic necessities such as food, water, and hygiene products. We focus on handing out small amount of items at a time, so volunteers are able to immerse themselves in the people surrounding them. Our team places a focus on listening to any experiences or stories that are shared with us, and we often keep our distribution groups small to further illustrate the authenticity of our volunteers.
Our Distribution program is an amazing fit for hands on leaders who are interested in hearing personal stories and love meeting new people!
Shelter Care Packages
To further build on our value of authentic connections with the youth we support, Hearts Against Homelessness works with shelters in BC to provide personalized gifts to the young people currently housed in a shelter’s long-term residence program. These packages include any necessities shelters are in need of, as well as a gift for each youth that is chosen from a wishlist they create.
We aim to allow the youth living in shelters a chance to be young and feel seen while they navigate this difficult chapter of their life.
Education and Awareness
Our #ChalkAboutIt initiative is our most accessible form of volunteer work, and combines colorful artwork with activism. We strive to spark conversations on the topic of youth homelessness in communities that tend to be less aware of the challenges many children and young adults must go through while they face uncertain living situations. Our chalkers write messages that are meant to increase the awareness surrounding these problems.
Our education program is also a critical part in our mission to uplift young leaders so they too can create change. We organize workshops in secondary schools that cover how homelessness can be caused, the resources and shelters already available, and what young people can do to help the youth that are struggling with housing in their area. Our goal is to educate our younger generations so they can be safe should they find themselves unhoused, and to encourage local leaders to start their own work with aiding homeless youth in their communities.
Youth aiding youth. One step at a time.