Nearly 35,000 people are homeless on any given night in Canada, a stark statistic highlighting the severity of our country’s housing crisis. Amidst this growing challenge, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul’s (SSVP) volunteers and members are positively impacting our neighbours in need. We were privileged to lead a transformative campaign aimed at bringing awareness to this crisis. Houseless to Housed focuses on helping our most vulnerable citizens get access to resources they urgently need. This initiative is rooted in SSVP’s tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of communities coast to coast.
The Heart of the Crisis
Too many Canadians are only a paycheck away from losing their home, a reality that shows the importance of immediate and empathetic interventions.
“You don’t know how much of an impact the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul made in my life. Thank you for always helping people and for extending your hands to those who are in need. My young son and I were helped by your organization without judgment. The SSVP volunteers who offered us room and their board hadn’t even met me. They trusted that I was a good person and not a thief. Thank you. We will be forever grateful.” – Ana
Extending a helping hand has an incredible impact. SSVP’s acts of kindness, empathy and connection, which are at the core of their mission, set individuals on a path to recovery and stability.
SSVP’s Unique Approach
Community-Specific Solutions
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul adapts to each community’s specific needs. Their programs are finely attuned to the unique challenges faced in every part of the country.
Through their Personal Encounters Program in homes, hospitals, and prisons, they learn how to best allocate funds and collaborate with other organizations to meet these needs.
SSVP offers an extensive range of housing services designed to address every stage of housing insecurity:
- Preventing Homelessness
Initiatives like rent support and North of 60 aim to address the root causes in vulnerable communities. - Surviving Homelessness
Programs such as the Windsor Street Outreach and Halifax Emergency Shelters provide immediate relief for those currently without homes. - Temporary Housing/Shelters
Facilities like Mary’s Home, Amelie House, and VincenPaul Community Homes offer temporary shelters providing a safe space for those in transition. - Multi-Unit Subsidized Housing
Projects like Ozanam Place in Halifax and Rosalie’s Village in Victoria offer long-term housing solutions at subsidized rates for low-income individuals and families. - Innovative Housing Solutions
The HomeShare and Tiny Homes programs are examples of innovative approaches to providing affordable housing tailored to specific needs and situations.
The Campaign Strategy
The Houseless to Housed campaign raises awareness and funds to expand SSVP’s housing services across Canada. Through a storytelling approach, we highlight the common experiences and challenges faced through housing insecurity. We chose to bring forward the stark realities too many neighbours in need live within through illustrative creatives.
By challenging the narratives, the campaign aims to draw donors closer to the tangible impacts of their contributions. This deepens connections and commitment to the cause, encouraging a more profound understanding amongst supporters.
Creative Concepts That Inspire Action
Through the concept Someone Lives Here, we transformed city spots into poignant reminders of where many unsheltered individuals spend their days and nights. Our goal is to create empathy and inspire action by providing a firsthand look at these harsh conditions.
How You Can Make a Difference
Get Involved: Join in various capacities—from making a donation to becoming one of SSVP’s volunteers or members.
Corporate Giving: Businesses can amplify their impact through employee giving or matched donations, turning corporate social responsibility into active community support.
Join the Movement: Follow our campaign on social media and spread the word to help us reach our goals and improve thousands of lives.
Together, we can shift from crisis to stability. By supporting the Houseless to Housed campaign, you are investing in a future where every Canadian has a place to call home.
Be part of this movement—donate, share, and get involved. Your support can change lives, one person, one family, and one community at a time.
