On October 28th & 29th, 2011 over 250 people gathered to discuss how we can help Metro Vancouver move Beyond Homelessness

We all need 3 basic things... A place to call home, a community to belong to, and a way to contribute. These are building blocks of stability and health; for individuals, families and community.  

This 1½ day forum  continued the work of the first two conferences held in 2006 and 2008:

(1) inspiring the Christian community, agencies, and governments with what is possible through partnerships within the Church as well as beyond it, and

(2) continuing the dialogue on how best to move forward.   

Keynote Speaker Brian Walsh Brian explored how the Christian community, along with its partners, can build the physical and social spaces of belonging that transform strangers into neighbours.  Read an article by David F. Dawes for the LIGHT Magazine here>>>

Brian is a campus minister at the University of Toronto and teaches graduate level courses on post-modernity, theology of culture and homelessness at Wycliffe College, within the Toronto School of Theology. 

A central theme running throughout the sessions was homemaking. How homelessness- which has at its very heart displacement - can be addressed as Jesus leads us into justice and homemaking; where we live in community with each other and Him.  Read an article by Brian Walsh, written for Converge Magazine here>>>

His talks were loosely based Beyond Homelessness, a book he co-wrote.

In critiquing contemporary North American culture, Steven Bouma-Prediger and Brian Walsh discuss various forms of homelessness - socioeconomic, ecological, and psycho-spiritual - and creatively show how biblical attentiveness and Christian faith can heal the profound dislocations in our society.  You can order your copy of Brian Walsh’s book, Beyond Homelessness here>>>

Expert Panelists offering their knowledge and perspectives were Rich Coleman MLA - Minister of Housing, Gregor Robertson - Mayor of Vancouver,  Peter Fassbender -  Mayor of Langley, Craig Crawford VP - BC Housing Dick Vollet, CEO - Streetohome Foundation, Nathan Edelson, SCARP UBC, and  Judy Graves-Homeless Advocate .  For full biographies, click here>>>

Visit those who joined us in the Ethical Marketplace & Booths area here>>>

See which Workshops were offered and explore  posted materials  here>>>

Learn more about the Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness. here>>>

 We are thankful to all who attended. 

 Together we are making a difference!