OUR ADVOCACY
Nothing about our community members without our community members
At the Black Canadian Homeless Foundation, advocacy is at the heart of our mission to effect positive change for families and individuals facing homelessness. We tirelessly advocate on behalf of our community members to city officials and various government entities, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. Our advocacy efforts have yielded tangible results, including the closure of a poorly maintained shelter in Vanier by the city of Ottawa. Through our advocacy, numerous families have been able to secure stable housing, while mothers at risk of losing their children have found support to maintain custody. Moreover, our relentless advocacy led to the development of an additional housing fund by the city of Ottawa, enabling a Black organization to purchase two houses to accommodate more families in need. These achievements underscore our commitment to advocating for equitable solutions and creating lasting change for those experiencing homelessness in our community.
City Council Testimonials: amplifying the voices of community members fearing for their lives in poorly maintained shelter
On March 2nd, our Executive Director, Gwennaelle Madiba Moubouyi, along with concerned members of the community, took action to address the dire situation facing families temporarily housed in a building in Vanier. Despite initial apprehensions from community members, who shared their grievances through letters detailing their living conditions and fears, our team stood by their side. Months later, following a site visit by the Mayor of Ottawa and ongoing collaboration with City Councilor Mathieu Fleury, our organization's efforts led to significant change. The City of Ottawa terminated its relationship with the building owner and relocated every family to improved shelters or permanent housing. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing vital services to BIPOC homeless children and families nationwide, working closely with municipal housing departments and local organizations dedicated to combating homelessness.
TORONTO:
From Peters street, to a safer shelter: The successful relocation of 20 refugees within 3 days of intervention
In an urgent response to the dire situation faced by 20 community members, including refugees and a pregnant woman, sleeping on the streets of Toronto, particularly on Peters Street, our organization sprang into action. Within a remarkable three-day timeframe, we mobilized our resources and advocacy efforts to swiftly secure safer shelters for these vulnerable individuals. Recognizing the challenges faced by city staff amid a serious housing crisis and an influx of refugees, we worked diligently to advocate on behalf of the community members to city officials and the housing department. Thanks to our collaborative efforts and the support of the city, we are pleased to announce that within just two days, all 20 individuals have been successfully relocated to permanent shelters and housing. This rapid response underscores our unwavering commitment to providing immediate assistance and advocating for sustainable solutions for those facing homelessness in our community.
Successful advocacy: Community Member Retains Custody of Children Amidst Threat of Removal
In a critical moment of crisis for a homeless mother grappling with unimaginable grief and a mental health crisis after losing one of her babies, the Black Canadian Homeless Foundation stepped in to ensure the safety and well-being of her remaining children. Distressed by the prospect of the children falling into the hands of the Children's Aid Society, we immediately intervened, advocating tirelessly on her behalf. Despite the trauma of the situation, our dedicated staff member accompanied the woman, who was in police custody, while we worked diligently to find a resolution. Through our advocacy efforts, we were able to swiftly navigate the complexities of the system and ensure that the family remained together. Within a matter of hours, the mother was reunited with her children, providing a glimmer of hope and stability in the midst of adversity. This experience underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable families and advocating for their rights in times of crisis.
Success: shut down of a poorly maintained shelter in Vanier, Ontario
Through our relentless advocacy efforts, the Black Canadian Homeless Foundation achieved a significant victory for our community members in Vanier, Ontario. We successfully campaigned for the closure of a poorly maintained shelter by the city of Ottawa, holding the shelter owner accountable for subjecting our community members to deplorable living conditions. Our advocacy shed light on the unacceptable reality of pests, including mice, rats, bed bugs, and other hazards, plaguing the shelter. As a result of our advocacy work, the shelter owner lost their contract with the city, ensuring that our community members are no longer exposed to such inhumane conditions. This achievement underscores our unwavering dedication to advocating for the rights and well-being of those experiencing homelessness in our community.
Advocacy success: the creation of a fund for Black led organizations to own buildings to support community members facing homelessness
Through our collaborative partnership with the City of Ottawa's Housing Department, the Black Canadian Homeless Foundation played a pivotal role in driving positive change for our community members facing homelessness. By providing valuable recommendations and insights, we advocated for the creation of a dedicated fund by the city to support Black-led organizations in their efforts to secure homes and shelters for those in need. As a direct result of our collaborative efforts, the City of Ottawa allocated over $300,000 to empower a Black-led organization, enabling them to expand their capacity and provide vital support to more community members experiencing homelessness. This achievement exemplifies the impact of effective collaboration and underscores our commitment to advocating for equitable solutions and empowering marginalized communities in our city.