If we want to end homelessness, we must fix the system meant to help—starting with our shelters. In this podcast episode, we speak with Sandra Clarkson, CEO of Calgary Drop-In Centre, and James Hughes, CEO of the Old Brewery Mission in Montreal—two of Canada’s largest and oldest homeless service providers. They share how their organizations are breaking away from the outdated model of warehousing people and instead embracing low-barrier, housing-focused care.
It’s not about just giving people a bed—it’s about creating a pathway home.
More stories:
America Can End Homelessness: Hennepin County Shows How https://youtu.be/yq1C8l4uSZc?si=VSmf-i3bUw_4tCey
Can Supervised Drug Use Save Lives? Inside OnPoint NYC’s Radical Approach https://youtu.be/Qhvw1Imatr4?si=7RBXp7K6aOFr-ybm
Finland Solved Homelessness: Here's How (Spoiler: It's More Than Housing First) https://youtu.be/0jt_6PBnCJE?si=bHHv4wyJzdCPOUIU
Executive producer: Mark Horvath
Producer/editor/cinematographer: Alex Gasaway https://www.youtube.com/alexgasaway
Associate producer: Erin McGinnis
Created by: Alex Gasaway and Erin McGinnis
YouTube Podcast https://bit.ly/4bHgCEu
Apple Podcast https://apple.co/4cckQ86
Spotify https://spoti.fi/3XyM98c
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About Invisible People
There is a direct correlation between what the general public perceives about homelessness and how it affects policy change. Most people blame homelessness on the person experiencing it instead of the increasing shortage of affordable housing, lack of employment, childhood trauma, lack of a living wage, or the countless reasons that put a person at risk. This lack of understanding creates a dangerous cycle of misperception that leads to the inability to effectively address the root causes of homelessness.
We imagine a world where everyone has a place to call home. Each day, we work to fight homelessness by giving it a face while educating individuals about the systemic issues that contribute to its existence. Through storytelling, education, news, and activism, we are changing the narrative on homelessness.
This isn’t just talk. Our groundbreaking educational content reaches millions of people every month. Our real and unfiltered stories of homelessness shatter stereotypes, demand attention and deliver a call-to-action that is being answered by governments, major brands, nonprofit organizations, and everyday citizens just like you.
However, there is more work to be done on the road ahead. Homelessness is undoubtedly one of our biggest societal issues today and will only continue to grow if we don’t take action now.
Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change and thoughtful dialogue around poverty in North America and the United Kingdom.