Voices in Action: Reflecting on the 2025 Homelessness Action Week
Every October, Homelessness Action Week (HAW) reminds us that the issue we are facing in our community is not only about housing — it’s about humanity. From October 11 to 18, this year’s theme, “Voices in Action,” highlights the importance of listening to those working on the front lines and those experiencing homelessness firsthand. Their voices hold the truth about what’s happening in downtown New Westminster and what needs to change.
We connected with four local organizations leading this important work: Purpose Society, Lookout Society, New Westminster Homelessness Coalition Society, and Union Gospel Mission – New Westminster Resource Centre. Together, they shared a sincere and hopeful look at the reality of homelessness in our neighbourhood, what progress has been made, and what barriers still stand in the way.
Seeing beyond the stigma
Each organization emphasized the truth that bears repeating: homelessness is not a choice. It is often the result of circumstances — economic hardship, trauma, illness, systemic barriers — that can happen to anyone.
Yet stigma remains one of the greatest obstacles to effective change. Too often, people experiencing homelessness are reduced to stereotypes rather than recognized as neighbours, parents, friends, and workers who have found themselves with no way out.
As Lynda Fletcher-Gordon, Acting Executive Director at Purpose Society, shared, community empathy can be transformative. When people are seen, heard, and treated with respect, they begin to feel safe enough to rebuild. That sense of safety and dignity, echoed by all four organizations, is what helps turn the crisis into recovery.
“Over the years, there have been many times that a student, a former client or a stranger has come back to relate how something that a staff member did or said had changed their life. More recently, a woman who lived on the street and would often sleep in the Purpose doorway reappeared to tell us she had gotten off drugs and was now housed. She wanted us to know that she appreciated every kindness she was shown, and she always felt that the staff at Purpose cared for her.”
The Reality Faced by Non-profit Organizations
From outreach to shelter staff, everyone we spoke with described the same ongoing challenge: demand is rising, but resources are shrinking.
Leonard Levy, Director of Operations-Fraser Region at Lookout Society, and Downtown New West BIA board member, noted that while the number of individuals seeking shelter and basic support continues to grow, operational funding has not kept pace with the need. Many agencies are forced to do more with less — stretching their teams thin to provide meals, emergency housing, mental health support, and outreach services.
“Some of our biggest challenges are the increasing costs of food. This is our second-highest cost at the organization after staffing. We usually rely on donations to help stretch the dollar to provide meals to more people.”
Similarly, Edith Tazumi, Manager at Union Gospel Mission’s New Westminster Resource Centre, shared that their team see the human face of this crisis daily: people living with uncertainty, trauma, and exhaustion. For many, the simplest acts of care — a hot meal, a shower, a conversation — are the first steps toward hope.
“We’re seeing many more seniors accessing our services, some of whom have never been homeless before. Community members have to decide if they will pay rent or buy groceries. It’s important to remember the human aspect of homelessness. No neighbour deserves a story that ends with homelessness, addiction, and poverty.”
Edith Tazumi (wearing glasses), and team members of the New Westminster Resource Centre
To Edith, “Voices in Action” means putting voice to the work all local organizations are doing. When you respond to a neighbour’s needs with dignity and keep showing up until the cycle breaks, that is how you put action into your voice.
“Non-profits are facing more demand for their services. As various levels of government face difficult decisions over programs to support, non-profits can fill those service gaps. We bring a wealth of knowledge and valuable experience to the conversation.”
Leonard Levy also highlights that neighbours and businesses can play an active role in collectively offering support to our marginalized community members by engaging with local non-profit organizations:
“Inviting us to come present at their office or event to bring more awareness. Education often reduces fear and frustration. Community members can also get involved by volunteering, offering a donation collection at their site, or simply sharing information.”
Collaboration and Community Willpower
If there’s one message that unites all these voices, it is: lasting change requires collaboration.
Betina Wheeler, Coalition and Projects Coordinator at the New Westminster Homelessness Coalition Society, emphasized that real progress happens when local governments, businesses, and residents work hand in hand with non-profits. Policy changes and funding are essential, but so is community engagement through the willingness to listen, advocate, and support.
Betina and Jeff (volunteer) representing I’s on the Street at Fridays On Front 2025
“Homelessness is a community issue, and it takes a community to respond. One of the most powerful things residents and local businesses can do is to see and treat unhoused people as neighbours. Small gestures, like a smile, conversation, or offering a warm drink, can make a big difference in helping people feel seen and valued.”
As Betina put it, “Homelessness isn’t just a social issue — it’s a community issue.” When the broader community steps up, from small business owners to city partners, the impact multiplies.
A Call for Compassion and Action
Homelessness Action Week is more than a time for awareness — it’s a call to act with heart. Each person experiencing homelessness carries a story that deserves to be heard, and each of us has a role to play in building a community where everyone has a safe place to call home.
The voices we heard this week are clear: change is possible, but it requires sustained effort, compassion, and the courage to see people facing homelessness as human beings, not problems.
Changes For a Better Future
We asked each of the parties interviewed what needs to happen in downtown New West to result in a significant change, and their hopes for the future of homelessness response and prevention in our community. Here are their considerations:
Betina Wheeler - New Westminster Homelessness Coalition Society:
“To create real change in New Westminster, three things need to happen: More affordable and supportive housing, stronger collaboration and coordination, and a shift toward compassion, understanding, and away from criminalization of homelessness and substance use — reducing stigma and embracing the belief that everyone deserves dignity, safety, and belonging. When these three things work together, we can build a stronger, more connected community for everyone. We hope to see stronger partnerships between all levels of government, health authorities and providers, community organizations, and residents, all working together toward solutions grounded in compassion, equity, and shared responsibility.”
Edith Tazumi - Union Gospel Mission’s New Westminster Resource Centre:
“We need more cohesion with all levels of government in providing a comprehensive continuum of care as individuals navigate through the various challenges of homelessness, addiction, and mental health, and identifying ways to bring compassion and community-mindedness to the forefront. We hope to see a thriving community where everyone is treated with dignity and kindness, with all levels of government and all the social agencies offering person-centred care rooted in dignity.”
Lynda Fletcher-Gordon - Purpose Society:
“Municipal politicians who are true leaders must represent and advocate for all the residents in New Westminster and not just those residents who can be dependent on voting. The presence of community leaders who understand that the current situation on our streets is the result of many variables and who will bring the community together to solve the problems, rather than politicizing them, will make a difference. We live in very trying times where global events are affecting us as a country and as individuals. Care about each other, be kind, and give everyone you meet a little grace and accept it in return.”
Leonard Levy – Lookout Society:
“We are facing the increased need for more supportive housing and shelter. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why openness, flexibility, inquisitiveness, innovation, more transparent communication, and proactively addressing the issues are necessary for society to come together successfully. If we collectively advocate for what we need and at the level we need, we may see real change.”
Together, let’s amplify the voices calling for change — and be part of the action.
Now is the Time to Take Action
Be part of the conversation, and join the “Voices in Action: Community Solutions to Homelessness”: VIEW THE EVENT PAGE
When: Saturday, October 18th
Time: 11 am - 3 pm
Where: 502 Columbia St
Want to learn more about steps you can take as a community-member during the Homelessness Action Week?
Foundations Naturopathic Health Clinic has created a campaign on their social media to promote awareness and share concrete steps for you to help make a change in downtown New West!
Keep an eye on their Instagram profile for valuable content from October 11th to 23rd : CLICK HERE
