As we take a look back and reflect on 2022, we learned a lot from our past seasonal organization: Out of the Cold Halifax.
We learned that donating is a small short-term band aid to a much larger issue. We need to acknowledge the issues unhoused folks encounter daily - which have been present, are still present, and won't be changing in the near future if we do not continue to learn, unlearn and advocate and support our community. Placing blame and "othering" can be quite a common stance in society.. we must change and challenge this narrative.
What can we continue to do? (sources: @otchfx, @lorrainelamchops)
- Support and care for folks already doing the work.
- Donate your time by volunteering. Out of the Cold has a link in their Instagram bio of different events that one can donate their time to support.
- Donate money (if possible) directly on their website.
- Donate requested items like toothbrushes, shampoo, gift cards, etc. There are also options to bring home-cooked meals and food - check what is needed at the time.
- Acknowledge and educate yourself on current issues present within our community that unhoused folks experience daily.
- Share OTC posts on social media platforms - like or comment to increase the chances of more folks seeing their post.
- Spread the factual information you've learned to your friends, family, and neighbours. Build awareness by listening to lived experiences.
- Make waves, swim upstream, disrupt, take action. Check OTC resources to see how you can do this.
We want to thank YOU for making our 2022 donation possible. 15% of your purchase went towards:
Online Donation: $675.73
Shower Program: $105.23
Thanksgiving Meal: $52.67
What is Out of the Cold?
Out of the cold is a community association located in Halifax Nova Scotia that provides supported housing for individuals (16+) of all genders who experience a variety of barriers to housing (barriers may include poverty, criminalization, racism, transphobia, homophobia, food insecurity, inadequate access to physical & mental health supports, challenges & stigma associated with alcohol and substance use, and varying levels of ability and life skills).
They aim to teach the community that under conditions of capitalism things are systemic and structural, not individual or personal - being unhoused is a result of inadequate systems failing us.
