Collaboration!

Hunger, pain and isolation do not stop when the temperature drops. For some of our most vulnerable citizens, the coldest months of the year present the biggest challenge. Regardless of what circumstances have brought people to living rough, they still need shelter, food and support. Thanks to the Calgary Homeless Foundation, the City of Calgary, the Government of Alberta, shelter agencies, and community organizations, outreach teams are now implementing the Coordinated Community Winter Response. (UPDATE – Coordinated Community Winter Response – Calgary Homeless Foundation)  Part of this coordinated effort is to eliminate hunger, and the Calgary Food Bank is supporting by supplying food and water to Wood’s Home’s Inglewood Opportunity Hub Inglewood Opportunity Hub (woodshomes.ca). They have opened a warming centre for youth who are facing a variety of barriers so that they can access a hot shower, warm winter clothing and nutritious food, as well as mental and physical health support. Soup, bottled water and snacks are available throughout the day. Dean Soenen, Director of Woods Homes Inglewood Opportunity Hub, says this support is critical. “Our partnership with the Calgary Food Bank has been invaluable over the years in helping us reduce barriers and increase access to essential food items for the most vulnerable youth in our community. Now more than ever, during the winter months, additional food support is vital to keeping young people safe – we couldn’t do this without the help of our partner and continue to be grateful for their unwavering support to stand with us.”      By collaborating with organizations such as Wood’s Homes, the Calgary Food Bank ensures the food is reaching those who need it, specifically those experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year. “This connection allows organizations like Woods to use food to connect with people, creating an opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives,” says Calgary Food Bank Community Liaison Supervisor Laura Harrison. “We are prepared and poised to provide additional food support. Just ask us, and we will be there.”      The Calgary Food Bank has taken a leadership role to collaborate more intentionally on this particular initiative which aligns with our mission, ‘together, we fight hunger and its root causes because no one should go hungry.’ By building meaningful relationships in the community and providing food support, the Calgary Food Bank continues to work together with others to reduce hunger through deeper collaboration to help people, thereby reducing poverty and food insecurity.