CitySpaces is pleased to be taking part in Homelessness Action Week 2016! Our annual donation drive is in full swing with this year’s donations going to The Salvation Army’s Harbour Light facility. Items we’re collecting include the following:
- Socks;
- Toiletries; and,
- Rain ponchos.
To find out how you can get involved, we’ve highlighted some events around Vancouver and Victoria.
Victoria
Us and Them Screening – October 11
The University of Victoria is holding two screenings of Us and Them. Us and Them follows local filmmaker Krista Loughton in her quest to tell the stories of four people struggling with homelessness. The first screening of the night will be followed by a panel discussion hosted by Victoria Cool Aid Society’s CEO, Kathy Stinson, on the topic of “How Can We Help the Chronically Homeless Recover From Deep Trauma?” Panelists include Bernie Pauly of the Centre for Addictions Research of BC, Bernice Kamano from the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness, and Us and Them director Krista Loughton.
University of Victoria Student Building (Cinecenta) – 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria
Screening at 7 pm followed by panel and a second screening at 9:15 pm
Buy tickets online (https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/us-and-them-homelessness-action-week-screening-tickets-27748294897)
Pacifica Housing Art Show Launch – October 11
Hosted by Pacifica Housing, this annual show features over 45 works of art created by Pacifica Housing tenants. This year’s launch party will be held at the Victoria Public Market, with hors d’oeuvres catered by Toque Catering and coffee and tea provided by Serious Coffee. This free event will be the first opportunity to buy the showcased works.
If you can’t make it to the launch, the art will be on display until the end of October in locations around Victoria, including Victoria Public Market, City Hall, Fort Tectoria, James Bay Coffee and Books, and Hey Happy Coffee.
Victoria Public Market – 1701 Douglas Street, Victoria
6 pm – 7 pm
Event is free, but bring cash, cheque, or credit to purchase artwork.
Vancouver
Single Room Occupancy Exhibit: King Rooms #31 – October 11 to 14
As part of the City of Vancouver’s Homelessness Action Week events, visitors to the Vancouver Public Library have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a recreated single room occupancy unit. This art installation features a full-scale panoramic photo of a 10 by 12 ft. apartment taken by artist Greg Masuda. The installation aims to make visitors “reflect on the ways we frame housing rights and the elements that define home.”
Vancouver Public Library – 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
11 am – 3 pm
Free
If Not For Dreams: Meet the Artists – October 14
Gallery Gachet is a non-profit gallery in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside that provides studio space to help people struggling with mental health issues and homelessness. You can meet the artists behind their latest exhibit, If Not For Dreams, for an afternoon of art and awareness. The exhibit showcases the vibrant talent that can be found in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, and aims to create discussion about the conditions surrounding homelessness.
If you can’t make the October 14 event, the exhibit is on display from Wednesdays to Sundays, until October 23.
Gallery Gachet – 88 East Cordova Street, Vancouver
12 pm – 6 pm
By donation
For an extensive list of events around the Lower Mainland, visit the Homelessness Action Week website (http://stophomelessness.ca/haw-2016/)