To raise public awareness about homelessness and the need for affordable housing, The Alliance to End Homelessness is relaunching its public awareness campaign on National Housing Day, November 22, 2003, with a ribbon in the rust and grey colours of bricks and mortar, signifying that the first priority for people living with homelessness is a place to call home.
Almost 900 people sleep in shelters every night in Ottawa, while there are about 12,000 households on the waiting list for social housing. Many families are in substandard or overcrowded housing.
The goal of this campaign is to promote discussion of this crucial issue. Donations for ribbons will go towards further public awareness work by the Alliance to End Homelessness.
Please come to the launch event, called Building Solutions to Homelessness, taking place on National Housing Day, November 22, noon to two, in front of ByWard Market Square on George Street. There will be ribbons, music, information and a house of dreams.
On November 23th, Bricks and Mortar Ribbons will be available at the back of the church and in the Burke Room. By wearing this ribbon, we are promoting awareness about homelessness and the need for permanent, affordable housing.
Information about housing and homelessness can be found at the following websites:
The Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) is preparing a petition on affordable housing for the use of interested faith communities. It urges the Ontario government to take immediate action on affordable housing as promised in their election platform. This should be available on Nov. 23rd.