This week on the podcast I speak with Marc and Evan from Card for Change, two self-described average citizens who took it upon themselves to start an organization looking to provide a dignified and respectful way of providing assistance to people experiencing homelessness through the provision of gift cards. Listen to their fascinating journey as they took an observation during the pandemic, came up with an idea, and made it happen in a way bigger than either of them expected. A great conversation with two amazing changemakers.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennifer Laidley and Mohy Tabbara from Maytree Canada, co-authors of the “Welfare in Canada Report” join us on the podcast this week to talk about the 2021 report. We talk about the key learnings, the surprises and the solutions moving forward. You don’t want to miss it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earl Thiessen the Executive Director of Oxford House in Calgary, Alberta, joins us on the pod to share his incredible story of recovery leading to him working and then leading the team at Oxford House, an incredible organization offering people in need, recovery from addictions, a supportive program and safe home to achieve a productive, rewarding, clean sober life

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Individuals who are unhoused are too often discharged from Emergency Rooms into homelessness. This week Dr. Louis Francescutti joins us on the podcast to talk about the amazing new program he’s spearheading in Edmonton, Alberta, the Bridge Healing Transitional Accommodation Program, also known as Asamina Kochi, which means “to try again” in Cree, that provides transitional housing for people in need leaving the ER. We talk about why there was a need for this, how it came together, and the hopes for it to be scaled in the future

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are joined by a very special guest, Blue Door’s very own Emma Wood. Emma works within Blue Door as a Resource Development Manager. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Emma started a food security organization, called The Good Food Impact. The Good Food Impact aims to alleviate food insecurity by providing frozen, nutritious meals within our community, for anyone in need to access. Tune in to this week’s episode to listen to how Emma started this organization, and the plans she has for its future, and learn about the connection between housing and food security! 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is ending homelessness nationally possible? The answer is yes, and the proof is Finland. Juha Kahila from the Y-Foundation in Finland joins us this week on the podcast to talk about the strategy that has brought his country international acclaim for its approach to preventing and ending homelessness. We talk about the how, the what, and what’s next. Don’t miss it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sheldon Pollett and Sherri Payne from Choices for Youth join us to chat about the preventative and innovative new program they run in partnership with Stella’s Circle, called The Employability Support Stability Pilot Program. This revolutionary program works to re-think the systems that are limiting youth from working and supports them in stepping away from social assistance. They share how it got started, how it’s going, and their hopes for next steps.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are joined by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness President and CEO, Tim Richter to discuss CAEH’s new proposal for a Homelessness Prevention and Housing Benefit from the Federal Government that will support people currently experiencing homelessness and prevent thousands of new people from ever having to experience homelessness. Take a listen to find out how you and your community can be a part of this bold new initiative.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Community Land Trusts are an important piece of the puzzle in securing long-term affordable housing. Joshua Barndt, the Executive Director of, The Neighbourhood Land Trust (NLT) & the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust (PNLT) joins us this week to share how he and his team built up their impactful CLTs, and how others can start or build up theirs."

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having the voices of youth at the table and leading work on the prevention of youth homelessness is critical. This week on the podcast we are joined by Samantha Lobb, the Chair of the Youth Council for the Youth Homelessness Prevention and Housing Stabilization Strategy of the York Region. We chat about the exciting By Youth For Youth Project her council is leading and much, much more! A great listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.