Join Us in Supporting Weekly Indigenous-Led Night Outreach Program
Who We Are
QomQem Coastal Connections has operated a weekly night outreach initiative for the past two years, bringing basic needs, hot and cold foods, harm reduction, and other supplies to the street family. We are in our third winter of this work. This Indigenous-and-lived-experience-led outreach model follows Coast Salish teachings that everyone should have a home, food to eat, and a role in the community.
Our Partnerships
Last year, we partnered with Abbey Church, North Park Neighborhood Association, Neighborhood Solidarity for the Unhoused, and family members connected to the street community to deliver this service in a collaborative way. Together, we collected donations, prepared comforting foods, and delivered supplies to 150 individuals each Sunday night. During snowstorms, our partners at Peers Victoria joined us for late-night shifts, reaching up to 250 individuals.
Why It Matters
This weekly night outreach may seem modest compared to the clear need for expanded night-time services, and accessible housing, shelter and health care for those living outside, but this work is still deeply valued by those we serve, and by our dedicated volunteers. Each week, we are greeted with enthusiasm by unhoused community members who rely on these efforts for small comforts through the challenging winter months. We know many, many people are looking for a way to help ease the discomfort for those who are outside during this poor weather, and donating to our program is one option to directly help.
How You Can Help
Here’s how you can contribute:
Cash Donations to Support Weekly Costs:
- Food: $500 (150 meals at $3-4 per meal including hot and cold drinks) per week
- Supplies: $500 (weather and shelter supplies)per week
Total Goal: $7,000. We have funding for 12 weeks between Nov and Feb 2025, but your supports will enable us to operate until the end of March of 2025
Items Needed
- Non perishable foods used in the weekly menu : Gatorade/Powerade, juice boxes, fruit cups, pudding cups, smooth peanut butter and jam (large jars), flats of cup o' noodles, large bags of candy/baked treats
Supplies:
- Gloves, hats, (wool) socks, hand warmers, high-quality umbrellas that can withstand wind, raincoats, winter coats
- Tarps, winter weight sleeping bags, emergency blankets, batteries, flashlights, tents
- Inexpensive phones and pay as you go phone credits (Lucky, Koodo, Chatr)
Please help:
Donate funds or items to help us reach our goal. Every contribution makes a difference! Please email manager@qomqem.com for supply donation drop-off options.
