In response to Simon Nattrass’ article, “A Crisis of Youthful Poverty,” that appeared in the April edition of Focus magazine, Paul Gerrard, a Saanich Councillor, wrote the following letter to the editor. It is a clear description of the problem as well as a cry for all sectors of the community to start addressing this challenge. The letter is reproduced in its entirety and appears on page 6 in the current May edition of Focus magazine.

I have just been appointed to the Coalition to End Homelessness, and the article on homeless youth really hit a nerve with me. Some years ago, as part of the homeless count, I interviewed a group of young people at a drop-in centre in a downtown church basement, and found a mixed bag of circumstances in their stories.
Many had fled a violent or sexual situation at home, some had been thrown out for drug use, and some, sadly, had been told that they were worthless and weren’t wanted anymore. Imagine what hearing that does for your confidence and self worth?

Remarkably, I found an intelligent group of young people who had a selection of survival techniques, and most importantly, looked after and supported one another. They shared friendly “couch surfing” addresses, camped together in our parks, shared food and drink, and had a drop-in centre to go to that was a welcome refuge from the streets. One thing everyone agreed on: shelters were a last resort, and everyone had a bad experience to recount. We really need supportive housing for all of our homeless population; shelters are just a band-aid solution and only suitable for a segment of our homeless.

On May 3^rd, Threshold received a donation of $625 from Victoria High School students under the auspices of the Victoria Foundation’s Vital Youth program. The Vital Youth program provides students with hands-on experience in philanthropy and community development. Formally launched in three schools in November 2003, the program—previously named Youth in Philanthropy—has grown to include seven high schools in three school districts. For more information on this program see Vital Youth.

The event was held at the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Oak Bay. Students from the college performed a wonderful piece from their new stage production of “Footloose.” This was a marvelous performance and reflected so precisely the energy and vitality of young people channelled toward making the community a better place for each of us to live.

From left to right: Mark Muldoon (Threshold), Abi Hodson (Youth Advisory Council), Mohammed Rasheed, Kamille Tobin-Shields, Brianna Sheppard-Murphy, and Maggie Wright.

Threshold is especially touched by this award because as the students themselves mentioned, students from Victoria High Schools have had need of Threshold’s services in the past. Even more, in a cynical society where young people are often labelled self-centered and indifferent, it was wonderful to see youth reaching out to youth in a selfless way. What a great sign for the future! In a recent episode of the TV series Glee, Finn organises his classmates to help Puck who is having trouble finishing his final exams. Why was Finn doing this? He believes “no one should be left behind!” Students at Victoria High certainly know this message and again, we are grateful for their help and enthusiasm. What-a-go Vic High!

On April 5^th, Threshold was the happy recipient of a donation that can be traced back to Christmas. During the Christmas season, Black Press sponsored a donation drive called “Pennies for Presents.”  It involved collecting loose change from Christmas shoppers that would eventually be distributed to help the needy through five different charities in the area.   The different agencies involved in this year’s drive included the Mary Manning Centre, Threshold Housing Society, Victoria READ Society, the Young Parents Support Network and NEED2.

From Left to Right: Danielle Pope (of Monday Magazine), Tara Skobel, Mark Muldoon, Rebekah Humphrey, Graham Kelly (of Threshold)

The initiative collected more than $12,000 in Greater Victoria last year and more than $600,000 since its inception.  Thanks to everyone who chipped in and helped. It is a great sign of encouragement and community support for the great work done by non-profits in our community. Special thanks to Black Press for reaching out and being such great supporters of this wild, wonderful experiment called “human kindness.”