What We Do
The NL Housing and Homelessness Network has a comprehensive offering of programs designed to share information with stakeholders and front-line organizations across our province and to address remote and rural homelessness.
Definition of Homelessness
Referenced from The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness:* https://www.homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/COHhomelessdefinition.pdf
Homelessness describes the situation of an individual, family or community without stable, safe, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it.
It is the result of systemic or societal barriers, a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/household’s financial, mental, cognitive, behavioural or physical challenges, and/or racism and discrimination.
Most people do not choose to be homeless, and the experience is generally negative, unpleasant, unhealthy, unsafe, stressful and distressing.
Homelessness describes a range of housing and shelter circumstances, with people being without any shelter at one end, and being insecurely housed at the other.
Homelessness encompasses a range of physical living situations:
1. Unsheltered, or homeless and living on the streets or in places not intended for human habitation;
2. Emergency Sheltered, including those staying in overnight shelters for people who are homeless, as well as shelters for those impacted by family violence;
3. Provisionally Accommodated, referring to those whose accommodation is temporary or lacks security of tenure, and finally,
4. At Risk of Homelessness, referring to people who are not homeless, but whose current economic and/ or housing situation is precarious or does not meet public health and safety standards.
It should be noted that for many people homelessness is not a static state but rather a fluid experience, where one’s shelter circumstances and options may shift and change quite dramatically and with frequency
Training and Seminars
Ongoing education, training and sharing of information is a crucial part of our work. We partner with training providers to offer non-cost or low-cost training opportunities to front-line workers and organizations across our province both in-person and virtually using Zoom.
Pancake Breakfast
Each year on Pancake Day, Community Advisory Boards and various local groups organize a Pancake Breakfast for Homelessness. They prepare and serve pancakes to raise funds for their organizations and to highlight the issue of remote and rural homelessness across the province.
Provincial Conference
Traditionally, the NL Housing and Homelessness Network has hosted an annual Provincial Conference on Remote and Rural Homelessness. These conferences provide an opportunity to bring keynote speakers to the province, where they can share their expertise with Community Advisory Boards, regional Housing Support Workers, nonprofit organizations, and frontline workers.
National Housing Day
A designated day dedicated to raising awareness about housing issues and promoting discussions on the importance of affordable and accessible housing. It aims to highlight the challenges faced by individuals and communities in securing stable housing, celebrate progress in housing initiatives, and advocate for policies and programs that support housing stability and equality.
This day often includes events, campaigns, and educational activities to engage the public, policymakers, and stakeholders in addressing housing needs and improving housing conditions for all.
NAVNET Training Partnership
Navigators and Networks (also known as NAVNET) is an initiative of Eastern Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Program with the goal of addressing the systemic barriers that impact individuals with multiple and complex needs living in the St. John’s area.
Since 2009 NL Housing & Homelessness Network has partnered with NAVNET to offer regular training sessions meant to share information with other frontline agencies and staff across the province. Each session has a theme and panel speakers with expertise in the theme.
Resources
View useful NL housing and tenant resources, including emergency hotlines & support services.
Strategic Plan
Our strategic plan outlines our vision and goals for the future, providing a roadmap for our initiatives and actions. It reflects our commitment to addressing key challenges, fostering growth, and achieving long-term success.
Donate
Your generosity plays a crucial role in helping us address the challenges of housing and homelessness across Newfoundland and Labrador.