The Peninsula Homeless to Housing Task Force works to support community integration, connections, education and supports. We have been active over the last year in South Surrey White Rock. Homeless Action in our Community We continued to support the Options/First United Church Extreme Weather Shelter this winter; which was open for 29 nights this year. This community response meets the most basic needs for shelter; it operates through a partnership between First United Church, Options Hyland House and BC Housing. The volunteer and staff effort to support this community response is enormous; the church hall opens in the late evening, providing mats, blankets and a hot meal. In the morning coffee, muffin and a gift card for breakfast at McDonald’s is provided. A thank you goes to the White Rock Business Improvement Association for publicizing the need for volunteers and donations of mitts, hats and new socks. This winter there has been an increasing number of people using the shelter – from an average of 5 people per night in October/November to an average of 7+ people during December. On December 8th the church was near capacity with 13 people sheltered. There are a number of shelters with a high percentage of women staying – Surrey Urban Mission and First Baptist Church in Vancouver are two. Continuing the trend from last year, First United Church shelters the highest percentage of women in Metro Vancouver at over 20% of guests. Greater Vancouver Shelter Strategy PH2H member Linda Doig continues to Chair the Community of Practice project of the GVSS (umbrella organization of all shelter and outreach services in Metro Vancouver). The project focusses on learning and advocating for the needs of older adults in the shelter sector – shelters like the rest of society is seeing an aging population which brings with it new and complex demands that must be acknowledged and addressed by service providers, funding agencies and government. Newsletter Produced and circulated 10 newsletters promoting community events and awareness, updates on community actions and needs, and volunteer call outs to 120 agencies, congregations and individuals. Triage Service Chart Updated and circulated PH2H Triage Service chart providing information on food, shelter, clothing and support services available in South Surrey/White Rock for people facing homelessness. All-Candidates meeting May 2nd We hosted a provincial election all-candidates meeting on May 2nd at Life Church covering the three constituencies in South Surrey/White Rock; 75 people attended with representation from all major parties and individuals running for office; candidates were questioned on food security, income and housing issues. Food Security Fund We have raised $1,000 to support food security on the Peninsula, in partnership with the Peninsula Community Foundation. A community with food security ensures nutritious food and support for community members in need, raises awareness about poverty, and involves the community in solutions. Community food security exists when all community members have access to a safe and nutritionally adequate diet through a local food system that is environmentally-sound and sustainable while maximizing self-reliance and social justice. Outcomes for a community food security strategy could include:

A sustainable system of local food production and distribution
Increased access to nutritious, affordable food
Reduced hunger and improved nutritional health

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