Our Outreach team is currently supporting our oldest street entrenched client in succeeding their housing action plan. This individual has worked hard to make positive changes in their life by first connecting with Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) Outreach and then becoming connected to additional community resources.  They continue to learn about the importance of being accountable and consistently showing up for their scheduled health appointments.  Through provided life skills supports they have gained significant self-awareness and are now comfortable with accessing the different levels of supports needed.  Although this client was slated to formally move into their new supportive housing accommodation in August, they have since needed additional support and unfortunately the housing unit has been allocated to another individual.

While this was a set-back on their housing action plan, our client has had the opportunity to access temporary housing.  As a result of this experience, they have learned to follow a set of guidelines such as working with others in communal living environments, sharing space, adhering to the required curfew, and learning how to access additional services and service providers.  In addition, this individual, who has faced so many barriers, including health challenges, was also able to access Island Health services and specialists.  We have also observed this individual slowly starting to eat and keep a balanced diet of nutritious food in place.  As a result of being connected to valuable resources and supports in the community, this individual is now able to maintain healthy basic hygiene practices by utilizing the local shower program and weekly laundry services offered by one of our long-standing community partners.  Now, instead of being overcome with desperation and devastation, this individual has been able to share their own story of hope and joy with others.