The Nelson Committee on Homelessness (NCOH) plans to raise the issue of seniors-at-risk in Nelson and area as the theme for this year’s Homelessness Action Week (HAW).
“There are over 2,200 people over 60 years of age in Nelson, and some of them are struggling to try and maintain their health and their housing in isolation,” said Joan Reichardt, chair of the Nelson and Area Seniors Coordinating Society.
“Some aren’t doing so well and find themselves at risk of losing their housing. Others who have faced particular difficulties with limited income or physical or mental health problems can find themselves homeless.”
NCOH appointed Reichardt, a long-time activist for home care and seniors supports as the 2014 honourary chair of Homelessness Action Week, which will take place October 12 to 18 in Nelson.
The organization is planning a week of activities to inform the public of housing and homelessness challenges in the community, particularly around seniors-at-risk, as well as what community service and housing providers are doing to address the situation and what are promising solutions that could be looked at as a community.
They will be providing more information on their planned activities next week.
The Nelson Committee on Homelessness has been active since 2001 addressing poverty and homelessness issues in Nelson.
NCOH works with citizens, businesses, governments and community stakeholders to encourage collaboration, new initiatives, research, information sharing and knowledge building, and community partnerships among all stakeholders in finding solutions for homeless and at-risk people.
Participants include such organizations as Nelson CARES, Nelson Community Services Society, Kootenay Kids, Career Development Services, The Salvation Army, Our Daily Bread, ANKORS, Canadian Mental Health Association, Nelson Women’s Centre, and others.