Search Library
Publication Date: 2011
Emily was 17 when she and her younger sister were banished from their family home in St. John’s, Newfoundland. “That first night was so cold. I still remember the bitter chill,” she says.
With little food, the two panhandled to survive, watching in desperation as people looked at them coldly and walked on “as if we were invisible…non-existent.” For a month Emily, her sibling and their cat slept in alleys, doorways and on rooftops. Finally, the C...
Publication Date: 2011
It’s hard to imagine how anyone could cope with the challenges that David has faced in his short life. Born in Moncton, New Brunswick, he was just ten years old when his mother died. His father, an alcoholic, died just eight years later. His three siblings had already left home and were involved in the drug culture. Epilepsy and learning disabilities further complicated David’s life. At 18, he felt alone and vulnerable.
Then a friend told David...
Publication Date: 2011
He still remembers the loud, frightening fights between his mom and dad. When his dad left for good, his mom tried to raise Craig on her own, but her alcohol dependency worsened and she couldn’t manage. Over the next six years, Craig was shuffled between twelve different foster homes.
During those difficult years one thing helped Craig cope with the stress and uncertainty of his young life: every summer he spent several carefree weeks at the Cam...
Publication Date: 2011
A single parent living on the outskirts of Vancouver, Nadine’s transient, poorly paid jobs made it hard to make ends meet and to provide for her three-and five-year old daughters.
She worried constantly that they would lose their home.
A friend suggested that Nadine check out BladeRunners, a program run by the ACCESS organization – a Raising the Roof partner agency. BladeRunners supports young people in difficult situations to develop their skill...
Publication Date: 2011
I was homeless at 21, and bought my first house at 25.
That’s how Jason, a former street kid, describes his personal journey. Raised in a middle-class Calgary family, he grew up with a passion for hockey, spending countless hours on the ice and dreaming of a future in the big leagues.
A serious injury put an end to his dreams. Frustrated and depressed, he dropped out of school, left home and turned to drugs. He lived in shelters in Vancouver and...
Publication Date: 2002
An educational package designed to inspire discussion and action on what causes homelessness and how we can all play a part in finding solutions. Geared for youth, adaptable for use in the classroom, within faith communities, social service clubs and beyond.Resource includes information on homelessness in Canada, ideas for activities, discussion topics, role plays, and strategies for taking action.
Publication Date: 2001
The final report of Rising The Roof's "1999-2001 National Strategy on Homelessness Prevention". his report was developed with information and insights gained from the project's research, focusgroups and stakeholder consultations. Particular attention was paid to the factors that create a situation of homelessness and recommended measures -- whether policy or practice, general or specific to sectors such as housing, child welfare...