A little bit of context

Our intention is to feed the homeless, our neighbors without a home, in the same way we feed ourselves. We use organic, sustainable ingredients and prepare healthy and delicious meals that we hand deliver once or twice a month. We are feeding a homeless population in our neighborhood because this is where we cook and those people are our neighbors and are part of our community. Depending on the budget available, we add and give away hygiene items, such as wipes, toothbrushes and toothpaste, as well as rolls of quarters, so that our neighbors without home can go to the laundry mat and clean their clothes. During fall and winter, fundraising take place to expand our service to distributing rain gears, sleeping bags, tents, tarps and warm clothes.

Mental Illness was treated differently back then and the stigma attached to it was dreadful.The increase of mental health issues, the rise in the cost of living, and a continually declining job market have left some people without a roof over their heads.

Whatever the struggle, it’s important to remember that these people are human and they don’t deserve the stereotypes that we commonly associate with the homeless.

We need to give them hope and increase their self-respect.

Open communication is more acceptable these days, however access to proper education in smaller towns is limited.

Taking the Mental Health First Aid Course can benefit any one (over 18yrs of age) who are interested. Family members, friends, co-workers, anyone who cares for people affected by mental illness will benefit from such a program. Having insight helps people understand better ways to cope and what they can do for themselves and their loved ones. So many people internalise their concerns, confusion and feelings of isolation due to stigma. Education and insight removes the stigma and opens up ways of coping better.

But there’s a problem

Current conditions for the homeless community in our most recent report:

The encampment which the New World Foundation serves is one that is in a very difficult location. It has no direct access to water for drinking or bathing, and they receive very little support from the extended community in terms of food delivery or shelter outreach. In John's share's from his most recent visit with the homeless " They are hungry. They are scared. They are Angry. Never before have I seen them compete over deliveries but their need was at a much higher than usual. People have stopped bringing them food and supplies because they are afraid of the virus. Their conditions are worse than I have ever seen them."

Here is what we are doing about it

Strategy: Care packages instead of meals.

In looking at the actual dire needs and hunger of the houseless people, The New World Foundation is shifting its strategy and has started to distribute care packages. A list of specific items has been established.

What we are funding in a care package:

The items have been strategically picked by Jane from her years of experience serving the homeless, to have the highest impact, for basic needs, for as long as possible. These items include: Cured meats, nuts, nut butter, fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, water, canned goods, rolls of quarters for two visits to a laundromat (this is huge for them)...and more. (If you would like to see a full list of items in the carepackage, please email us and we would be happy to send it :)

Distribution: To reduce the risk of contagion, care packages will be delivered by volunteers who are wearing the necessary protective masks and gloves.

F​​​undraising goal:is to supply 80 care packages a month, distributed bi-weekly. Our efforts are planned for 3 months.

Cost for Month 1 $7500

Cost for Month 2 $7500

Cost for Month 3 $7500

10% fiscal sponsorship/Admin fee $2500

Total Campaign Fund $25000

We will begin placing orders for the first month of care package materials once we have reached the first goal of $8333.00 (which we hope to raise within the first 10 days of this campaign!)

Donations are tax deductible, you can pay using a credit or debit card. If a surplus donation takes place, it will be in service to future care packages or meals. We thank you for your support, solidarity, and for responding to this urgent call :)